The stakes are rising for South Sudan: what’s happening and why it matters

A “the breaking point becomes visible” in the peace process, they warned, as core commitments under a historic 2018 peace deal stagnate or reverse.

Context of the conflict

The 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement was the main guarantee against a resumption of civil war, but elements of its power-sharing and security arrangements are fraying.

With elections scheduled for December 2026 in the world’s youngest country, political competition risks sparking violence instead of consolidating peace.

Click here for an overview of the peace process.

Meanwhile, the war in neighboring Sudan is only making the situation worse. Since April 2023, more than 1.2 million people have crossed the border into South Sudan, further straining already limited systems and resources.

Click here to read about the impact of the conflict in Sudan and its repercussions.

Worsening political tensions

• The political changes have weakened the inclusive governance structures essential to the peace agreement.
• The detention and trial of opposition leaders has led to more unstable and polarized politics.
• Progress on key transition tasks – security sector reform, constitution-making and election planning – remains stalled, while regional mechanisms fail to ease local tensions.

“The principle of inclusiveness that underpinned the agreement appears to have been sacrificed,» declared Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of UN peace operations.

Click here to watch Mr. Lacroix’s briefing.

Click here to view the latest UN report on South Sudan.

Violence spreads across the country

• Ceasefire violations and clashes between government forces and opposition elements intensified in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states.
• Aerial bombardments and riverine operations were documented, as well as ambushes and reprisal attacks.
• Recent incidents have resulted in civilian casualties, displacement and loss of livelihoods.

“South Sudan is showing all signs of a clear and present danger of relapsing into full-scale conflict,” said Solomon Ayele Dersso of the civil society organization Amani Africa.

Click here to view the latest report from the South Sudan Human Rights Commission.

Women and girls face increased risks

• In South Sudan, 7.5 million people face acute food insecurity, while flooding, displacement and violence continue to worsen humanitarian needs.
• There are reports of widespread gender-based violence, including rape, kidnapping and forced marriage, with 260 conflict-related cases recorded last year.
• Despite local peacebuilding efforts, women remain largely excluded from national political processes; the agreed representation quota of 35 percent was not reached.

“There couldn’t be a worse time to withdraw support,” said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous.

Click here for Ms. Bahous’ remarks And here to watch the briefing.

Call for urgent action

U.N. officials called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, a resumption of political dialogue, the protection of civilians and sustained support for the U.N. peacekeeping mission. MISS.

Without decisive action, they warn, South Sudan risks descending into another war – with civilians once again bearing the heaviest cost.

Click here to access live reporting from the Council of the UN Meetings Coverage Section.

Click here to watch the webcast.