A Fresh Conflict Flares in South Sudan: UN Calls for an Immediate Ceasefire
International Security Council Urges Urgent Halt to Armed Conflicts in South Sudan - International Assembly at the United Nations Urges Instant Cessation of Conflict in South Sudan
South Sudan finds itself embroiled in renewed turmoil, as the ancient feud between supporters of President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar rekindles, posing a significant threat to a 2018 peace agreement that laid an end to a brutal five-year civil war. The agreement, which claimed around 400,000 lives, saw South Sudan secede from Sudan in 2011, a nation rich in oil reserves but one of the poorest in the world.
The United Nations Security Council has voiced their concern and called for an immediate halt to the violence, while also extending the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for another year, with the troop strength remaining at 17,000 troops and 2,100 police officers for the time being. The resolution was passed with twelve favorable votes, but three abstentions – from Russia, China, and Pakistan.
The recent unrest can be traced back to the political and ethnic tensions that have long shadowed these leaders, even in the face of a unity government formed in 2020. Implementing the peace agreement has proven challenging, marred by suspicion and mistrust, especially in matters of security arrangements, power-sharing, and delayed national elections scheduled for 2026[3].
In early 2025, violence broke out once more, with an independent Nuer militia allied to Machar's SPLM-IO seizing control of a military base in Nasir, Upper Nile state. The government responded with air strikes that resulted in civilian casualties, leading to widespread violence across the nation and causing the displacement of thousands. This internal strife has also sparked inter-ethnic clashes in Western Equatoria. President Kiir added Ugandan special forces to his forces during this conflict escalation[2][3].
Following these attacks, Machar's supporters were arrested, with Machar himself confined to his home. Kiir claimed Machar orchestrated the violence, charges that Machar's SPLM-IO vehemently denied, instead accusing the government of sabotaging the peace process[2]. Efforts to de-escalate the crisis have included diplomatic engagements by the United Nations, African Union, East African Community, regional leaders from Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, and appeals for dialogue from Western diplomats and local church leaders. President Kiir reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to the peace agreement, despite ongoing violence[2].
The UN Security Council, recognizing the deteriorating security situation, has called for an immediate ceasefire and extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in support of stability and to protect civilians amid the growing chaos[5]. The ongoing conflict underscores the fragility of South Sudan's peace process, the tenacious enmity between Kiir and Machar, and the profound challenges facing political transition, security sector reform, and national reconciliation in the nation[1][2][4].
- The community policy in South Sudan, amid the renewed conflict, urgently requires increased cooperation and dialogue between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar to uphold the 2018 peace agreement.
- The United Nations Security Council, in a bid to avert peacekeeping mission failure, encourages cooperation and collaboration among the 15 members to exert pressure on South Sudan's warring factions for an immediate ceasefire.
- The current war-and-conflicts in South Sudan necessitate more cooperation and unity within the African Union, East African Community, and regional leaders from Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, to effectively mediate and de-escalate tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar.
- To ensure political stability and national reconciliation in South Sudan, local church leaders and Western diplomats must foster cooperation and understanding between the feuding leaders, encouraging adherence to the peace agreement and resolving matters of security arrangements, power-sharing, and delayed national elections.
