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New York – Al-Wadi Newspaper
In a detailed briefing before the United Nations Security Council, **Martha Pobee, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, issued a strong warning about the escalating political and security tensions in **South Sudan**, stressing that the progress made under the **Revitalized Peace Agreement** is steadily unraveling amid political deadlock and a potential slide back into violence.
Pobee told Council members that the implementation of the peace agreement continues to decline, as military escalation intensifies between the **South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF)** and the opposition group, the **Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO)**. This includes ground operations and aerial bombardments, resulting in civilian casualties, the displacement of thousands, and the destruction of vital infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.
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UN Warns of Broader Ethnic Conflict
Pobee emphasized that the ongoing military escalation not only undermines “Chapter Two of the peace deal”, which focuses on security arrangements, but also risks transforming the conflict from localized violence into a broader “ethnic-based conflict”, potentially involving regional actors.
Despite repeated appeals from the (United Nations), “African Union, and IGAD” for a ceasefire and de-escalation, these calls have been largely ignored. Instead, violations and unilateral actions continue, weakening the ability of the **Transitional Unity Government** to function effectively.
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Mounting Concerns: Arbitrary Arrests and Shrinking Freedoms
The UN official expressed deep concern over the ongoing detention of political opposition members without due process, noting that this directly obstructs the completion of key transitional tasks such as (security sector reform), “election preparations**, and the ” drafting of a permanent constitution.
While government officials have publicly committed to holding elections in “December 2026”, Pobee stressed that statements are not enough, and urged all parties to take tangible steps that reflect the **letter and spirit of the peace agreement**.
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Institutional Paralysis and Weak Political Momentum
Pobee welcomed the resumption of the (Transitional National Legislative Assembly) on July 16 after a six-month recess. However, she highlighted the alarming absence of Cabinet meetings**—with the last one held in March—as a sign of institutional paralysis and a lack of political will.
She also noted the recent formation of a “High-Level Presidential Committee” comprising 31 members tasked with overseeing the implementation of the peace agreement. However, the committee notably excludes (Chapter Two)—the most contentious section dealing with security reforms—drawing criticism from the international community.
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Civil Society Engagement Persists Despite Challenges
The UN official praised the continued efforts of **civil society organizations**, particularly “women and youth groups”, who remain actively engaged in calling for a return to the peace process and the full implementation of the agreement.
She also acknowledged the recent adoption of a “five-year Strategic Plan by the Judiciary of South Sudan”, which aims to strengthen judicial independence, access to justice, accountability, and gender equality. However, Pobee emphasized that these goals must be followed by concrete implementation on the ground.
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A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis: Millions at Risk
Turning to the humanitarian situation, Pobee described it as “catastrophic,” revealing that approximately **7.7 million people** are experiencing **high levels of acute food insecurity**, including **83,000 at risk of famine**.
She highlighted that the **2025 Humanitarian Response Plan** is only **28.5% funded** to date, with growing obstacles facing aid organizations. Humanitarian access incidents have nearly **doubled** compared to last year, compounded by attacks on aid workers, poor infrastructure, and bureaucratic hurdles.
“Meeting the humanitarian and development needs of South Sudan is not impossible,” Pobee said, “but it demands **responsible political leadership** and reforms in **natural resource and public financial management**.”
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A Global Call to Action: South Sudan Needs You
Pobee reiterated that the **Revitalized Peace Agreementto** remains the only realistic framework break the cycle of violence and pave the way for **South Sudan’s first democratic elections**—a goal the country’s citizens have long aspired to and fully deserve.
She concluded with a strong appeal to the **UN Security Council** and the broader **international community** to exert unified pressure on all parties to return to the agreement, release political detainees, and engage in direct high-level dialogue. This, she said, is essential to ensure a comprehensive peace process that addresses security arrangements, transitional justice, constitutional reform, and credible elections.
“South Sudan stands at a crossroads,” Pobee said. “Either it moves forward toward peace and elections—or it slides back into violence. The responsibility is shared. The people of South Sudan are counting on us.”
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