NEW YORK – The political and security situation in South Sudan has substantially deteriorated, peace monitor R-JMEC told UN Security Council on Monday, adding that if the current situation is not addressed, it may trigger the total collapse of the peace deal and a return to war.
Maj. Gen. George Aggrey Owinow pointed to incidents of permanent ceasefire violation since the commencement of an extended transitional period early this year, and the breach of power-sharing agreement by the incumbent government.
Owinow said the crises began when an administrative military deployment coordinated by SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO forces into Nasir town turned into a disagreement, which quickly escalated into armed clashes, consequently killing many and displacing tens of thousands of civilians.
It said the incident triggered a serious political and security crisis which was followed by the arrest and detention in Juba of several SPLM-IO political leaders including national MPs and ministers – the house arrest of Dr. Riek Machar – a signatory to the 2018 peace deal.
He told the Council the permanent ceasefire has since been severely violated repeatedly, with aerial bombardments of SPLM/A-IO occupied areas by the SSPDF, including cantonment and training centers.
Owinow added that there have also been reported violent armed clashes between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO including with their affiliate groups and forces in different parts of the country.
“Taken together, the clashes, deployment of UPDF, house arrest of FVP and detention of several SPLM-IO officials have created widespread fear, subsequently forcing many senior opposition figures into self-exile,” he said.
“This situation coupled with numerous unilateral dismissals and appointment of officials at the national and state levels, undertaken by the government in breach of the letter and spirit of responsibility sharing arrangements under R-ARCSS, has rendered implementation of R-ARCSS virtually untenable, requiring serious interventions.”
Owinow further narrated that there is little to know progress towards preparation for elections scheduled for December 2026.
“The current situation and trajectory in the country, if not urgently addressed, risks to reverse all that has been gained and may lead to collapse of the R-ARCSS, which could return the country into an armed conflict.”
He further underscored that R-JMEC, IGAD, AU and UN partners have repeatedly been calling for constructive dialogue, de-escalation of tension and release of political detainees.
Recommendations
The R-JMEC urged the UN Security Council to endorse the call by regional and international peace guarantors for South Sudanese leaders to resume dialogue and full implementation of the peace deal.
It also calls on the Council to undertake an urgent high-level diplomatic mission to Juba to assess the situation and directly engage with peace parties. Other calls to the UN include supporting regional efforts towards assisting parties to commence dialogue and expedite implementation of pending critical tasks in the peace agreement.
The peace monitor urges the SSPDF and SPLA-IO commands to cease all hostilities and to urgently restore full adherence to the permanent ceasefire and transitional security arrangements, and refrain from acts of violence.
R-JMEC further said the UN Security Council should hold peace spoilers or violators in South Sudan accountable.
