Despite the setback of a further two-year delay in holding elections that were promised for next month, the “silver lining” is that the UN can help South Sudan build capacity and become the “democratic, stable society” that its people deserve.

That’s the view of UN Special Representative and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, who told UN News on Thursday that he is “confident” the country can progress in spite of a slew of major challenges including climate shocks and war over the border in Sudan – as long as the political will is there on the part of the country’s leaders.

The veteran Special Representative from South Africa – who served as chief legal adviser to Nelson Mandela – sat down with Ben Malor shortly after briefing the Security Council.