March 2025. Juba, South Sudan.

After years of fragile peace, the East African country is once again on the brink of civil war. The transitional government is at risk of collapse. The camps of the President and the Vice President are once again facing off, armed with weapons. The number of violent acts against civilians has reached a five-year high and 300,000 people have fled their homes. We hear reports of hunger, sexual violence, incendiary bombs and air strikes on civilians. The Federal Government’s crisis unit temporarily recalls German diplomats.

That was in March. Since then, the security situation has, fortunately, improved slightly, at least in Juba. Our foreign service colleagues are back on the ground.

Ladies and gentlemen, South Sudan is the world’s youngest country. Since its foundation, it has endured two phases of civil war. And in its neighbouring country, the Sudan, the worst hunger and displacement crisis of our time is currently unfolding. More than one million people from the Sudan are seeking refuge in South Sudan – in a country that is itself grappling with a humanitarian crisis and protracted violent conflict.

The fact is that, almost 15 years after gaining independence, South Sudan remains one of the poorest and most fragile states in the world – despite the resources that it has.

It is not only for ethical and humane reasons that we cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering in South Sudan and the region. With our help, we’re showing civilians in their often desperate situation that the international community hasn’t forgotten them. This is an act of responsibility and compassion.

But there are also purely pragmatic political reasons why we must address crises such as the one in South Sudan. I firmly believe that crises and conflicts that we ignore, that we pretend do not affect us, will come to us sooner or later. So we’re also acting in our own best interests. We’re already seeing movements of refugees from the Sudan and South Sudan towards neighbouring countries. To Egypt. To Chad.

Instability, ladies and gentlemen, knows no borders. It spreads. That’s why Germany is one of the biggest humanitarian donors in South Sudan. With over 30 million euro this year alone – and an additional 200 million euro through non-state actors.

And we’re contributing Bundeswehr soldiers to the UN peacekeeping troops in the country: UNMISS. They play a vital role. They protect human lives every day. They document violations of international humanitarian law. They help, in the form of Bundeswehr staff officers, to provide an up-to-date overview of the situation.

And, in very concrete terms, they help to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most. After all, particularly difficult security scenarios and access restrictions imposed by the parties to the conflict often prevent humanitarian aid workers from getting to where they’re needed.

And the truth is, yes, the German UNMISS contingent of soldiers and police officers is comparatively small and not as significant in terms of size as other troop and police contingents. But German soldiers and police officers are deployed in key positions in the mission – in staff posts, as military observers and in the police component.

With the position of Police Commissioner, Germany has once again contributed the highest-ranking police officer at the mission since August of this year. There are only four people at this leadership level in the United Nations worldwide. This is another reason why Germany’s commitment has a high profile and is appreciated by other international partners.

Esteemed colleagues, the Federal Government is requesting the continuation of the Bundeswehr’s deployment to UNMISS. Because the current situation in South Sudan is what it is. Because only stabilisation on the ground can combat the causes of displacement. Because continuing our engagement in South Sudan isn’t just a material decision, but rather a tangible, international sign of our responsibility for peace, security and international stability.

And all of this is happening in a context in which we’re currently applying on the world stage to be given the opportunity to assume responsibility in the United Nations Security Council.

Let’s send a clear signal with this extension that the crises, conflicts and humanitarian emergencies in other parts of the world concern us. That Germany remains committed to the people of South Sudan, but also to the United Nations’ ability to act.