Western Nations To Kiir; Release Machar, Return To Dialogue

The diplomatic missions of Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union have issued a joint statement expressing grave concern over the deteriorating political and security situation in South Sudan, warning that the country faces its most severe crisis since 2018.

The statement, released on Friday, strongly supports the assessment of the Chairman of the Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), which highlighted a sharp decline in stability. The diplomats called on President Salva Kiir to immediately end the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar and urged all political leaders to engage in urgent dialogue to resolve the escalating tensions.

The international community also condemned an April 26 statement by a senior transitional government minister that labeled certain counties as “friendly” or “hostile,” warning that such rhetoric risks further inflaming divisions. The joint statement emphasized the need for all parties to cease using violence as a political tool and to avoid further unilateral actions that could destabilize the fragile peace process.

“The situation in South Sudan is reaching a critical point,” the statement read. “We urge all leaders to prioritize dialogue and compromise to prevent a return to widespread conflict.”

The warning comes amid reports of increased military mobilization and sporadic clashes in parts of the country, raising fears of a relapse into civil war. South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, has been plagued by political infighting and violence despite multiple peace agreements.

The joint statement highlights the international community’s growing impatience with South Sudan’s leadership, which has repeatedly failed to implement key provisions of the 2018 peace deal. Observers fear that without immediate de-escalation, the country could slide back into full-scale conflict, with devastating humanitarian consequences.

The diplomats pledged their commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution but stressed that South Sudanese leaders must take decisive action to avert further crisis.