The African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) have jointly called on South Sudan’s leaders to urgently revive the country’s stalled peace process, as renewed violence and political instability threaten to reverse the gains of recent years.
In a joint statement issued on 9 May 2025, the AU, UN, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) collectively referred to as the Quartet expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, rising ethnic tensions, and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan.
The Quartet urged all parties to immediately cease hostilities and return to meaningful dialogue for the full and inclusive implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). They warned that recent air and ground attacks had resulted in significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and destruction of property, while also fuelling divisive rhetoric and hate speech.
“The targeting of humanitarian facilities is unacceptable and must stop,” the statement read, adding that continued violence risks undermining public confidence in the peace process and in the commitment of political actors to avoid a return to civil war.
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The call came following a high-level visit to Juba by AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and IGAD officials from 5 to 6 May. During the visit, they met with President Salva Kiir and other senior government officials to assess the state of the peace agreement and the broader political and security environment. The discussions centred on preserving the gains of the R-ARCSS, promoting inclusive governance, and ensuring the credible implementation of the country’s transitional roadmap.
Reaffirming their support for the people and Government of South Sudan, the AU and IGAD stressed the importance of transparent and consensus-driven leadership to achieve lasting peace and stability.
The latest appeal comes amid renewed fighting between government forces and opposition groups, particularly the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), in Upper Nile State. Over 180 people have reportedly been killed and more than 125,000 displaced since clashes escalated in March.
Tensions further intensified following the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, whose faction has since declared the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement null and void.
The international community continues to call for de-escalation, urging all stakeholders to recommit to peace and avoid plunging the country back into a full-scale conflict.
