A New Battle Erupts in South Sudan: UN calls for an Immediate Ceasefire
International Community Urges Immediate Ceasefire in South Sudan's Ongoing Conflict - International Security Council Urges Instant Ceasefire in South Sudan Conflict
Remember the troubled land of South Sudan? Today, it's back in the spotlight of the global community. The UN Security Council has raised the alarm, calling for an immediate ceasefire amidst escalating conflicts between supporters of President Salva Kiir and those of Vice President Riek Machar.
The resolution also extended the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for another year until the 30th of April 2026. Initially, the troops and police squad remained at 17,000 and 2,100, respectively, but the Council hinted at possible "adjustments" to the troop strength. The resolution sailed through with 12 votes in favor and 3 abstentions - from Russia, China, and Pakistan.
- South Sudan
- UN Security Council
- Ceasefire
- President Salva Kiir
- Vice President Riek Machar
### Historical Context
The long-running conflict between Kiir and Machar kicked off in 2011 but exploded dramatically in December 2013, following a political tussle that allegedly saw Machar accused of attempting a coup d'état. Over the years, multiple ceasefire agreements and peace deals were signed, but the fragile peace rarely lasted.
In 2018, Kiir and Machar inked yet another power-sharing agreement, which brought about the formation of a unity government. However, recent outbreaks of violence threaten this tenuous peace. In March 2025, an independent Nuer militia aligned with Machar's Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) clashed with government forces in Upper Nile State, sparking widespread violence and displacement across the country.
### Recent Developments
The government responded with airstrikes and arrests of Machar's allies, accusing him of orchestrating the attacks. Machar denies the allegations, claiming the government is undermining the peace agreement. The intensifying conflict has prompted an increased diplomatic effort by international bodies like the UN, the African Union, and regional leaders from Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia, to de-escalate tensions and prevent a return to civil war.
### UN Security Council's Action
In light of these grave developments, the UN Security Council is taking action to maintain peace in South Sudan. An extension of UNMISS for another year and the possibility of troop strength adjustments indicate the Council's commitment to protecting civilians and supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent South Sudan from slipping back into chaos.
- The troubled nation of South Sudan is once again facing escalating conflicts, with the UN urging an immediate ceasefire between President Salva Kiir's supporters and those of Vice President Riek Machar.
- The UN Security Council's resolution, which received 12 votes in favor and 3 abstentions, also extended the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for another year.
- The prolonged conflict between Kiir and Machar dates back to 2011, when the political rivalry escalated into open warfare in December 2013.
- Following recent outbreaks of violence in March 2025, an independent Nuer militia aligned with Machar's Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) clashed with government forces in Upper Nile State, leading to widespread violence and displacement.
