The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in South Sudan amid growing concerns over renewed violence and civilian displacement.
In a statement, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the African Union was deeply troubled by the deteriorating security situation in parts of the country, particularly Jonglei State, where escalating clashes have forced large numbers of people to flee their homes.
He warned that inflammatory rhetoric and actions by political and military actors risk fuelling further violence and placing civilians especially women and children in greater danger.
Mr Youssouf said such developments undermined the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the peace deal signed in 2018 to end years of civil war.
The AU Chairperson strongly condemned any calls for, or acts of, violence against civilians, stressing that their protection remained the responsibility of all parties to the conflict.
While acknowledging repeated public commitments by South Sudanese leaders to the peace process, he expressed serious concern over continued violations of the permanent ceasefire and their humanitarian consequences.
The African Union urged all sides to exercise restraint, comply fully with the peace agreement and respect ceasefire arrangements, power-sharing provisions and inclusive decision-making processes.
Mr Youssouf also called on South Sudanese leaders to prioritise the interests of the population and resolve disputes through dialogue, with the aim of completing the country’s transitional political process.
The African Union said it would continue to support South Sudan’s peace efforts, working alongside the regional bloc IGAD, the United Nations and international partners to promote long-term stability and national reconciliation.
