Background of the conflict
The 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement was the key safeguard against a new civil war, but elements of its security and power-sharing provisions are eroding.
With elections scheduled for December 2026 in the world’s youngest country, political competition risks provoking violence rather than building peace.
Click here for an overview of the peace process.
Meanwhile, the war in neighboring Sudan is making matters worse. Since April 2023, more than 1.2 million people have crossed into South Sudan, further straining already limited systems and resources.
Click here to learn about the impact of the conflict in Sudan and its collateral effects.
Deepening political tensions
- Political reorganizations have weakened the inclusive governance structures that are central to the peace agreement.
- The arrest and trial of opposition leaders has led to more volatile and polarized politics.
- Progress on key transition tasks (security sector reform, constitution-making and electoral planning) remains stalled, while regional mechanisms are not reducing local tensions.
“The principle of inclusion that underpinned the agreement appears to have been sacrificed,”said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of UN peace operations.
Click here to watch Mr. Lacroix’s briefing.
Click here to see the latest UN report on South Sudan.
Violence spreads throughout the country
- Ceasefire violations and clashes between government forces and opposition elements have intensified in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states.
- Aerial bombardments and riverine operations, as well as ambushes and retaliatory attacks, have been documented.
- Recent incidents have resulted in civilian casualties, displacement and loss of livelihoods.
“South Sudan shows every sign of a clear and present danger of sliding back into full-scale conflict,” said Solomon Ayele Dersso of the civil society organization Amani Africa.
Click here to see the latest report from the South Sudan human rights commission.
Women and girls face higher risks
- Across South Sudan, 7.5 million people face severe 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 leading local peacebuilding efforts, women remain largely excluded from national political processes; The agreed representation quota of 35 percent has not been reached.
“There couldn’t be a worse time to withdraw support,”said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous.
Click here to view Ms. Bahous’ comments and here to view the briefing.
Urgent call to action
UN officials called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, renewed political dialogue, protection of civilians and sustained support for the UN peacekeeping mission, UNMISS.
Without decisive action, they warned, South Sudan risks descending into a new war, with civilians once again bearing the brunt of the cost.
Click here to watch live Council reports from the UN Meetings Coverage Section.
Click here to view the webcast.