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Juba – Al-Wadi Newspaper
On Friday, June 13, the UN Human Rights Commission in South Sudan warned that the revitalized 2018 peace agreement faces the risk of complete collapse amid escalating military violence and political unrest in the country. The Commission called for urgent and coordinated regional intervention to rescue the faltering peace process.
In an official statement, the Commission explained that the increasing military escalation, widespread political restrictions, and the growing presence of foreign forces have contributed to the disintegration of the agreement, pushing the country toward greater insecurity, fear, and psychological distress among the population.
Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission, stated, “South Sudan’s peace agreement is in a real crisis. Renewed violence is pushing the agreement to the brink of total collapse, threatening further fragmentation of the country.” She stressed the need for regional bodies, especially the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to pressure South Sudan’s leaders to steer the peace process back on track.
The Commission noted that during the past week, it held dialogues with civil society representatives and various stakeholders to assess the severity of the crisis and develop strategies to prevent a return to full-scale civil war. It highlighted growing community anxieties due to ongoing violence, arbitrary arrests, and shrinking civil liberties.
UN reports confirm that since March 2025, South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have carried out destructive airstrikes on civilian areas, causing significant casualties and mass displacement, with states of emergency declared in affected regions.
Concerns have grown with credible reports of Ugandan forces supporting the SSPDF, alongside the government’s recent decision to recruit thousands of additional soldiers—moves that risk prolonging the conflict and violate the security sector reform commitments outlined in the peace agreement.
Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández expressed deep concern over the ongoing suffering of civilians caused by military attacks, urging the agreement’s signatories to abandon partisan agendas and act in the people’s interest. He warned that continued attacks threaten the country’s stability and security.
The military escalation coincided with a crackdown involving the arbitrary detention of prominent opposition figures, including First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, further heightening political tensions.
The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan has worsened, particularly in Upper Nile State, which suffers from severe food insecurity and serves as a key transit area for refugees fleeing conflict in neighboring Sudan.
Commissioner Barney Afako warned that failing to save the peace agreement will deepen violence and undermine regional stability, calling for urgent efforts to restore political transition and lasting peace.
The Commission concluded with an appeal to the international community and regional partners to intensify pressure on South Sudan’s leadership to ensure immediate de-escalation and full implementation of the peace agreement. It affirmed its commitment to closely monitor developments and document violations against civilians, including potential war crimes.
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