The United Kingdom government has informed the UN Security Council that the only viable way to resolve the worsening political and security crisis in South Sudan is to launch an inclusive political dialogue involving all stakeholders, including the opposition group led by First Vice President Riek Machar.
Speaking at the council’s meeting in New York last Friday, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Archie Young, stated that the renewed conflict between the main signatories of the peace agreement is pushing the country’s humanitarian situation toward a dire level. The Ambassador emphasized that this conflict is exposing innocent civilians to severe hardship, displacement, and various human rights violations.
During his speech, Ambassador Young noted, “The only solution to the current crisis in South Sudan is an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to the table for dialogue with all stakeholders.” He specifically pointed out that any peace effort that excludes the South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) led by Riek Machar cannot be effective.
Citing United Nations reports, he mentioned grave human rights violations in the country, including conflict-related sexual violence, the recruitment of child soldiers, and recent attacks in the Akobo area that killed civilians, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced a large number of people. He urged that these actions, which violate international human rights laws, must stop immediately.
Although South Sudan ended its five-year civil war following the peace agreement signed in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, it remains under high political tension. The failure to implement key provisions of the agreement, such as security sector reform and the constitutional drafting process, has weakened the power-sharing arrangement.
The situation has been further complicated by the suspension of First Vice President Riek Machar from his duties and his subsequent detention since March 2025. He is currently facing treason charges in a special court for his alleged role in the conflict that broke out in Nasir County. On the other hand, President Salva Kiir’s camp is working to amend the 2018 agreement to hold elections this coming December, which has raised doubts about the inclusivity of the process.
The United Kingdom has called on the leaders in South Sudan to fulfill their obligations to protect innocent civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without any obstacles. Additionally, it stated that it views the African Union’s appointment of former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete as a special envoy as a positive step.
Finally, Ambassador Young, who praised the work being done by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), asked the South Sudanese authorities to lift the restrictions they have placed on the peacekeeping force.
