UNMISS Briefing: Deteriorating Political and Security Situation in South Sudan

Escalating Conflict and Political Instability

• ⚠️ A sharp deterioration in the political and security situation in South Sudan threatens to unravel recent peace gains, according to Nicholas Haysom, Head of UNMISS.
• 💥 Direct military confrontation has escalated between the preeminent parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, stemming from events in Upper Nile State.
• 💔 The arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar signifies a new low in trust between principal parties.
• 🗣️ Misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech are fueling political and ethnic tensions, particularly on social media, echoing the conflicts of 2013 and 2016.

Humanitarian Crisis and Regional Spillover

• 🌍 South Sudan faces one of the worst humanitarian outlooks since independence, exacerbated by subnational violence, the Sudan conflict spillover, economic collapse, extreme weather, and declining aid.
• 🆘 Approximately 9.3 million people (three-quarters of the population) require assistance, with 7.7 million suffering from acute food insecurity.
• 🦠 A cholera outbreak continues amidst a crippled health system, with a significant number of cases and deaths.
• 🇸🇸 The deployment of Ugandan foreign forces has further stoked public anxiety.

UNMISS Efforts and International Support

• 🕊️ UNMISS is engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to broker a peaceful solution, working with various regional and international stakeholders.
• 🤝 The message from peace partners is clear: parties must resolve tensions through dialogue, build trust, and recommit to the peace agreement.
• 🛡️ UNMISS is increasing its protection of civilians measures, reinforcing its posture at IDP sites and enhancing security, while acknowledging operational limitations.
• 🗳️ The mission is positioning itself to support South Sudan's request for comprehensive electoral assistance, but this is hindered by a lack of commitment from political leadership.

Urgency for Peace and Stability

• 🚨 There is a critical role for neighboring states as guarantors of the agreement to restore peace and stability.
• ⚖️ The council is urged to immediately address tensions through dialogue, urge adherence to the ceasefire, call for the release of detained officials, and encourage leaders to exercise restraint.
• 📖 The Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the only viable framework to break the cycle of violence and advance towards democratic elections.
• 📉 A relapse into full-scale conflict is a risk South Sudan and the wider region cannot afford.