JUBA — Diplomatic missions and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have raised alarm over escalating violence in parts of South Sudan, urging the country’s leaders to immediately cease hostilities, return to dialogue, and ensure unrestricted humanitarian access.
In a joint statement, the embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States expressed grave concern about renewed fighting, particularly in Jonglei State, where humanitarian agencies report severe access restrictions.
Relief organizations say the ongoing insecurity is blocking the delivery of humanitarian supplies and preventing lifesaving medical referrals for critically ill patients, further worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation.
The diplomatic missions called on all parties to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue, stressing the need to protect civilians and uphold commitments under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Separately, UNMISS voiced deep concern over reports of significant military confrontations between armed forces aligned with the main signatories to the peace agreement in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria states.
The UN mission noted that the surge in violence includes aerial bombardments of civilian areas and follows actions that undermine the established peace framework.
It urged South Sudanese leaders to de-escalate tensions, halt military operations, and advance reconciliation through inclusive dialogue under the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The mission warned that continued fighting risks plunging the country deeper into crisis.
Recent violence in Uror, Nyirol, Pigi and Duk counties since December 2025 have displaced tens of thousands creating a dire humanitarian crises, according to local authorities. Violence has also been reported in Panyume of Morobo County in Central Equatoria.