South Sudan: UN Under-Secretary-General on Escalating Violence and Peace Agreement

Escalating Violence in South Sudan

• ⚠️ Sharp escalation of violence is occurring, particularly in Jonglei, with clashes between government and opposition forces.
• 📢 Inflammatory rhetoric, mass displacements, and severe restrictions on humanitarian access are of great concern.
• 👥 Over 280,000 people have been displaced from fighting in Jonglei alone, with communities remembering past violence.

Political Deadlock and Peace Agreement

• 🏛️ Political deadlock among the main signatories to the revitalized peace agreement is driving heightened tensions.
• 📜 Unilateral initiatives to amend the agreement, such as deferring the constitution-making process, are concerning.
• 🤝 Dialogue and consensus-building among all signatories and stakeholders remain the only viable path to peace.

Humanitarian Crisis and Access Constraints

• 💔 South Sudan is one of the most dangerous places for humanitarian workers, with 350 attacks recorded in 2025.
• 🚫 Persistent access constraints are hindering humanitarian aid, especially amid the country's worst cholera outbreak.
• 🏥 Attacks on health facilities, looting of supplies, and displacement of populations are severely impacting response efforts.

UNMISS Operations and Challenges

• 📉 Cost reduction measures have led to significant operational capacity constraints for UNMISS, including reduced protection patrols and cancelled human rights missions.
• ⚖️ The mission faces a difficult balance, needing to reinforce areas of escalating fighting even as bases are scheduled for closure.
• 📍 UNMISS presence is crucial for protecting civilians, assisting humanitarian partners, and supporting the peace process.

Call for International Action

• 📢 The international community, including the Security Council, must urge South Sudanese political actors to return to dialogue and seek consensus.
• 🌍 Coordinated international support is vital to ensure the integrity and implementation of the revitalized peace agreement and credible elections.
• ✅ A peacekeeping mission that remains fully operational and robust is essential amidst challenging circumstances.