South Sudan at a Turning Point: Escalating Violence Threatens Peace Process

The United Nations has sounded the alarm on the deteriorating situation in South Sudan, where escalating violence, political deadlock, and a deepening humanitarian crisis have put the country at a critical juncture. The renewed clashes between government and opposition forces, the arrest and detention of opposition leaders, and the stalling of transitional tasks have raised concerns that the Revitalized Peace Agreement may be at risk of collapse. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, emphasized that the agreement remains the only viable framework to break the cycle of violence and achieve peaceful elections in December 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• The UN has reported that since March, clashes between the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) have resulted in deaths, displacement, and destruction of civilian infrastructure, with 300,000 people displaced between 1 April and 15 July.
• The humanitarian situation remains alarming, with 7.7 million people facing high levels of food insecurity and 83,000 at risk of famine conditions, with only 28.5% of the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan funded.
• The permanent ceasefire has been repeatedly violated, with aerial bombardments of SPLM/A-IO occupied areas by the SSPDF, resulting in widespread fear and forcing many senior opposition figures into self-exile.
• The UN has called for an immediate end to all hostilities, the release of First Vice-President Machar and other detained political leaders, and the resumption of dialogue and implementation of the 2018 agreement.
• The Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the cornerstone for lasting stability, and the UN has urged the Council to impress upon South Sudan's leaders the imperative of laying the groundwork for peaceful elections in December 2026.
• The velocity of attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities is "unacceptable and unlawful" and has hindered aid services, with the conflict worsening the already dire situation and aid services provided by the international community being systematically hindered.

Statistics:

• 300,000 people displaced between 1 April and 15 July due to conflict.
• 7.7 million people facing high levels of food insecurity.
• 83,000 at risk of famine conditions.
• 28.5% of the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan funded.
• 9.3 million people in dire need of assistance in South Sudan.
• 1.2 million people displaced from neighboring Sudan into South Sudan.
• 75% of the population in need of aid.

Sources:

• United Nations (document S/2025/504)
• Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa
• George Aggrey Owinow, Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission
• Murithi Mutiga, Programme Director for Africa of the International Crisis Group
• Slovenia's representative to the United Nations
• Panama's delegate to the United Nations
• United States' representative to the United Nations
• China's delegate to the United Nations
• France's delegate to the United Nations
• Russian Federation's delegate to the United Nations
• Representative of South Sudan to the United Nations