Three governments that have been central to South Sudan’s peace process released a joint statement on Thursday, urging the country’s leaders to halt renewed fighting and focus on implementing the 2018 peace agreement.
Joint Statement Calls for End to Fighting
The United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway-mediators and guarantors of the deal-criticized President Salva Kiir for running a government that diverges from the power-sharing principles agreed in 2018. They warned that the return to violence would undermine the fragile peace that ended a deadly conflict. The statement called for a swift return to the agreed roadmap. It urged all parties to prioritize the implementation of the peace framework.
Criticism of President Kiir and Power-Sharing
Former rebel leader Riek Machar, who became a vice president after the peace deal, is currently detained and faces treason charges he denies. The governments highlighted his legal situation as a sign of the ongoing instability. They stressed that any actions against him must respect the rule of law. The statement emphasized the need for a transparent judicial process.
UN Security Council Warning
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN peacekeeping chief, warned last month that the crisis in South Sudan is escalating. He said a “breaking point” has become visible and that time is running “dangerously short” to bring the peace process back on track. His remarks were cited in the joint statement. The UN’s concern underscores the urgency of the situation.
Misuse of Public Resources
The international community also decried the misuse of public resources. Civil servants’ salaries have remained unpaid for months, according to the statement. The governments criticized the leadership for continuing destabilizing unilateral reshuffles instead of governing or preparing for elections. They called for responsible use of state funds.
Election Concerns
South Sudan is due to hold its first election in December 2026. The statement noted that the country’s political future hinges on the success of this election. It urged the government to create a conducive environment for free and fair voting. The leaders were reminded that the upcoming election is a key milestone in the peace process.
Call to Stop Armed Attacks
The joint statement urged all parties to “stop armed attacks” and resume stalled peace talks. It emphasized that renewed violence threatens to derail the fragile peace. The governments called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue. They warned that continued conflict would have devastating consequences.
Humanitarian Aid Obstruction
All South Sudan’s friends and partners, and especially those neighboring South Sudan who have the most to lose from the prospect of renewed large-scale conflict, should be united in their messaging – that enough is enough,” the statement said. The governments appealed to regional actors to reinforce the call for peace. They stressed that a unified stance would pressure the leadership to act.
U.S. Aid Threat
Last week, the United States threatened to withdraw aid to South Sudan. It accused the government of imposing exorbitant fees on humanitarian groups and obstructing their operations. The U.S. stance was highlighted in the joint statement. The governments emphasized that aid withdrawal would worsen the humanitarian situation.
Key Takeaways
- The US, UK, and Norway urge South Sudan leaders to end fighting and implement the 2018 peace deal.
- Riek Machar faces treason charges while the UN warns of an escalating crisis.
- Humanitarian aid groups face obstruction, and the US threatens aid withdrawal.
The joint statement underscores the fragility of South Sudan’s peace and the international community’s insistence on accountability, transparency, and humanitarian access. It calls for immediate action to prevent further bloodshed and to ensure that the 2018 agreement is fully realized.
