Juba (TDI): Regarding the political and security situation in South Sudan, the Embassies of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the Delegation of the European Union, have jointly issued a statement expressing deep concern.
The diplomatic missions emphasized that these developments pose a serious threat to the fragile stability achieved since the signing of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Despite commitments made under the agreement, recent events indicate a regression in efforts to establish a peaceful and inclusive political environment.
“The Embassies of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as the Delegation of the European Union, reaffirm their concern over continued politically driven violence in South Sudan, repeated violations of the ceasefire, and the… pic.twitter.com/sgQ9E5kDhY
— US Mission to the AU (@US_AU) April 11, 2025
In particular, the joint statement reiterated the call for the unconditional release of all political detainees. The release is viewed as a necessary step to enable the resumption of direct and inclusive dialogue among all key political actors, including President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
According to the signatories, genuine dialogue remains the only path to restoring trust among parties and advancing national reconciliation.
The statement also called attention to the indefinite postponement of the 40th session of the Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), a key body mandated to oversee the implementation of the peace agreement.
The Embassies and the Delegation urged that the session be rescheduled without further delay and that it should focus on identifying and resolving the central barriers to peace implementation.
Moreover, the group warned against any unilateral actions by political or military actors that could compromise the integrity of the 2018 peace agreement.
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Such actions, they stated, could exacerbate tensions and undermine efforts to hold credible elections and establish long-term governance structures.
The diplomatic missions reiterated their position that the responsibility to ensure peace lies with South Sudan’s leadership.
Meeting the obligations outlined in the peace agreement is essential, and there is an urgent need for demonstrable commitment to national unity, civilian protection, and the rule of law.
The statement concluded by affirming the continued engagement of the signatories with South Sudanese stakeholders, regional partners, and civil society to support peace, political inclusivity, and stability in the country.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
