UN Urges Juba to Speed Up Formation of Transitional Government

UN Urges Juba to Speed Up Formation of Transitional Government
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UN Urges Juba to Speed Up Formation of Transitional Government

UN Urges Juba to Speed Up Formation of Transitional Government

The United Nations has expressed concern over a power vacuum in South Sudan caused by the failure to form a transitional government despite a recent agreement.

In a statement earlier this week, head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) David Shearer called on the country’s leaders to appoint governors for the states.

“The absence of political leadership at the state level in South Sudan has contributed to the recent outbreak of intercommunal violence in the country,” he said.

“The filling of the governor positions is particularly urgent. The absence of authority at the state level has caused a vacuum of power and decision-making, as we have seen in Jonglei,” Shearer stressed.

“There have been ongoing negotiations over ministerial and other appointments over the past two weeks. I understand from speaking to those involved, that while tough, they have been carried out cordially.”

There is some optimism amongst parties that an announcement may be possible by the end of this week, he noted.

The UN official said more than 8,000 people are currently living in makeshift shelters next to the UN base in Pibor.

On Feb. 22, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir dismissed his cabinet and appointed rebel leader Riek Machar and four others as vice presidents, paving the way for the formation of a unity government that seeks to end six years of war.

South Sudan's Presidential Adviser Tut Galwak said there are ongoing talks between the government and opposition groups on the appointment of governors.

He stressed the progress in the negotiations to end the disputes over quotas, indicating that power-sharing will be in accordance with the peace agreement that has been activated.

The group loyal to Kiir maintained the positions of the ministries of finance, interior and foreign affairs, while Machar was granted the ministries of defense, oil, mining and peacebuilding.

According to Galwak, both parties agreed to choose ministers from both sides, but he did not provide names.

“We have prepared the list of candidates for ministerial positions, but the opposition parties did not present their list yet to the president,” he said, noting that the government is expected to be announced soon.

Under the September 2018 peace agreement between the government and opposition, the unity government will have 35 ministers, 10 deputy ministers, and a 550-member parliament.



Switzerland to Enact Hamas Ban from May 15

FILED - 08 February 2025, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Fighters of the Ezz al-Din Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas form a corridor as Israeli hostages get delivered to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
FILED - 08 February 2025, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Fighters of the Ezz al-Din Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas form a corridor as Israeli hostages get delivered to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
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Switzerland to Enact Hamas Ban from May 15

FILED - 08 February 2025, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Fighters of the Ezz al-Din Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas form a corridor as Israeli hostages get delivered to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
FILED - 08 February 2025, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Fighters of the Ezz al-Din Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas form a corridor as Israeli hostages get delivered to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

A new Swiss law banning Hamas and related organizations will come into force on May 15, the government said on Wednesday, aiming to prevent the Palestinian militant group from using Switzerland as a safe haven by making entry bans or expulsions easier to arrange.
The law, which was approved by parliament last December and came in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, gives Swiss authorities "the necessary tools to take action against Hamas activities or support for the organization in Switzerland," the government said, according to Reuters.
The Gaza war started after Hamas' attack which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's offensive on the enclave has killed more than 52,000, according to local Palestinian health officials.
The Swiss law enables preventive police measures such as entry bans or expulsions, and also makes it more difficult for Hamas to use Switzerland as a financial hub for its activities.