The Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, has issued a stark warning on the deteriorating security situation in South Sudan, urging the country’s leadership to take immediate measures to avert a return to widespread conflict.
Addressing the 43rd Extraordinary Summit of IGAD Heads of State and Government, Dr. Gebeyehu outlined the precarious state of affairs following recent violent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, which have raised fears of a breakdown in the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The summit was convened under the auspices of IGAD’s longstanding role in the peace process, with an emphasis on avoiding further instability in South Sudan, especially in light of the ongoing crisis in neighboring Sudan. Dr. Gebeyehu commended the diplomatic efforts of regional leaders, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Kenyan President William Ruto, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who have been actively engaging with South Sudanese authorities to de-escalate tensions.
“The situation in Nasir, where an estimated 6,000 White Army fighters overran an SSPDF encampment in early March, is a critical indicator of South Sudan’s vulnerability to violence. The subsequent clashes and the tragic loss of lives, including that of General Majur Dak, underscore the need for immediate action,” Dr. Gebeyehu said.
The violence has put the permanent ceasefire enshrined in the peace agreement in jeopardy, with political tensions rising in the capital, Juba. The detention of high-ranking opposition figures and the breakdown of key mechanisms, such as the Joint Defence Board, have further exacerbated the crisis.
IGAD has called for an urgent, unconditional ceasefire and the immediate resumption of peace dialogues, with a strong recommendation for an independent investigation into the Nasir clashes and the attack on a UN helicopter. The organization also urged the government to release detained opposition figures and lift any undue restrictions to restore stability.
Dr. Gebeyehu stressed that despite the challenges, the 2018 peace agreement remains the most viable instrument for achieving long-term stability in South Sudan. He emphasized the role of regional leaders in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation, particularly through initiatives like the Tumaini Initiative, which aims to include non-signatories to the peace accord.
“This is a critical moment for South Sudan. The leadership must choose the path of peace and reconciliation over conflict,” Dr. Gebeyehu concluded, urging the summit to adopt a clear roadmap for the country’s transition and elections by 2026.
The summit’s resolution, which is expected to include a detailed communique on the way forward, will be pivotal in determining whether South Sudan can navigate its challenges or risks slipping back into large-scale conflict. The region and the international community remain united in their support for South Sudan’s journey toward peace.
