The Security Council on Thursday extended the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) until 30 April 2024.

Resolution 2726, unanimously supported by the 15-member council, decided to extend the mandate of UNMISS and authorized the mission to use all necessary means to carry out its tasks.

It adopted a resolution to approve a “technical rollover” for the mandate of UNMISS.

The resolution, the Council said, was adopted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

The technical rollover, according to the Security Council, will allow more time for council members to evaluate South Sudan’s election preparedness and discuss the substantive extension of the mission’s mandate, which includes technical assistance to South Sudan’s elections.

The Council authorized UNMISS to use all necessary means to carry out its tasks, determining that the situation in the country continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security.

By other terms, it recalled its previous resolutions, statements of its President and press statements concerning the situation in South Sudan, and decided to remain actively seized of the matter.

UNMISS currently provides technical assistance, including capacity-building, and logistical support for the electoral process and security support to facilitate the electoral cycle, among others.

Delays in preparations could affect South Sudan’s elections due in December 2024.