Stakes rise for South Sudan: What’s happening, and why it matters

A "breaking point is becoming visible" in the peace process, they cautioned, as core commitments under a landmark 2018 peace agreement stall or go into reverse.

Background to conflict

The 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement was the key safeguard against renewed civil war, but elements of its power-sharing and security provisions are fraying.

With elections planned for December 2026 across the world's youngest country, political competition risks igniting violence instead of consolidating peace.

Click here for an overview of the peace process.

Meanwhile, the war in neighbouring Sudan is making it all worse. Since April 2023, more than 1.2 million people have crossed into South Sudan, further straining already limited systems and resources.

Click here for the impact of conflict in Sudan and its spillover.

Deepening political tensions

• Political reshuffles have weakened inclusive governance structures central to the peace agreement.
• The detention and trial of opposition leaders have led to more volatile and polarized politics.
• Progress on key transitional tasks - security sector reform, constitution-making and election planning - remains stalled, while regional mechanisms are not de-escalating local tensions.

"The principle of inclusivity that underpinned the agreement appears to have been sacrificed," said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of UN peace operations.

Click here to watch Mr. Lacroix's briefing.

Click here for the latest UN report on South Sudan.

Violence expands across the country

• Ceasefire violations and clashes between government forces and opposition elements have intensified in Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile states.
• Aerial bombardments and riverine operations have been documented, alongside ambushes and retaliatory attacks.
• Recent incidents have resulted in civilian casualties, displacement and loss of livelihoods.

"South Sudan shows all the signs of a clear and present danger of relapsing back to full-scale conflict," said Solomon Ayele Dersso from civil society organization Amani Africa.

Click here for the latest report from the human rights commission in South Sudan.

Women and girls face heightened risks

• Across South Sudan, 7.5 million people face acute food insecurity, while flooding, displacement, and violence continue to worsen humanitarian needs.
• There are reports of widespread gender-based violence, including rape, abduction, and forced marriage, with 260 conflict-related cases recorded last year.
• Despite leading local peacebuilding efforts, women remain largely excluded from national political processes; the agreed 35 per cent representation quota has not been met.

"There could be no worse time to withdraw support," said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous.

Click here for Ms. Bahous' remarks and here to watch the briefing.

Call for urgent action

UN officials called for immediate cessation of hostilities, renewed political dialogue, protection of civilians and sustained support for the UN peacekeeping mission, UNMISS.

Without decisive action, they warned, South Sudan risks a slide into renewed war - with civilians yet again bearing the heaviest cost.

Click here for live reporting from the Council from UN Meetings Coverage Section.

Click here to watch the webcast.