JUBA — A joint statement issued Thursday by the Embassies of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Delegation of the European Union has reignited calls for South Sudan’s transitional government to halt politically motivated violence and recommit to the 2018 peace agreement.
The statement, which underscores growing international frustration with South Sudan’s political trajectory, comes amid renewed tension between rival factions in the ruling coalition and increasing reports of ceasefire violations across multiple regions of the country.
“We reaffirm our concern over continued politically driven violence in South Sudan, repeated violations of the ceasefire, and the absence of visible efforts by the transitional government to restore and maintain peace,” the diplomatic missions said.
The development follows mounting criticism of the government’s failure to implement key provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which is seen as critical to stabilizing the nation ahead of long-delayed elections now tentatively set for December 2025.
The embassies and EU Delegation also emphasized the urgent need for the release of all political detainees affiliated with the Sudan People Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) —a move they say would pave the way for renewed direct dialogue between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, whose fractious relationship has continued to paralyze key institutions within the unity government.
“The release of political detainees is essential to permit the immediate resumption of direct dialogue among leaders of all parties,” the statement noted. “This includes President Kiir and First Vice President Machar.”
Observers say political detentions and increasing mistrust among rival parties have hampered progress on transitional security arrangements, constitutional reforms, and preparations for national elections.
The diplomatic community also expressed disappointment over the postponement of the 40th session of the Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), the body responsible for tracking the implementation of the peace agreement. They urged the transitional government to reschedule the meeting “without delay” and to ensure it focuses on overcoming the most pressing obstacles to peace.
“There should be no unilateral actions that further jeopardize the 2018 peace agreement,” the statement warned, amid speculation that certain factions may be considering measures outside the agreed framework to consolidate power.
The latest warning from South Sudan’s international partners comes as domestic civil society groups, religious leaders, and opposition parties have raised alarm over increasing insecurity, political repression, and lack of electoral preparedness.
Political analysts note that while the peace agreement brought a relative lull in fighting, the lack of genuine political will and mutual trust among signatories continues to threaten the fragile transition.
“This kind of international pressure is crucial,” said James Deng, a political analyst based in Juba. “But it remains to be seen whether the leadership will respond with concrete actions or continue to delay key milestones.”
The diplomatic missions concluded their statement by urging South Sudanese leaders to demonstrate through their actions that peace—not political survival—is their top priority.
“It is urgent that South Sudan’s leaders meet their obligations and demonstrate that their priority is peace,” the statement said.
