UN chief António Guterres urges South Sudan to end political confrontation, release detained officials
He warned that the Horn of Africa is already in turmoil and cannot withstand another conflict, urging immediate de-escalation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on South Sudan’s leaders to end political confrontations, release detained military and civilian officials, and restore the Government of National Unity.
He warned that the Horn of Africa is already in turmoil and cannot withstand another conflict, urging immediate de-escalation.
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Speaking about the worsening situation in South Sudan, Guterres on Friday painted a grim picture of a country on the brink of collapse. He described a growing security emergency marked by intensified clashes, aerial bombings of civilians, and the presence of external forces.
“All the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country and one of the poorest,” Guterres said.
The crisis has worsened following the recent arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, which has further derailed the peace agreement.
Guterres said the agreement is in “shambles,” leading to a humanitarian disaster, with three out of four South Sudanese requiring aid.
He highlighted alarming levels of food insecurity, a cholera outbreak, and a worsening displacement crisis, with over a million refugees crossing from Sudan since conflict erupted there.
Economic conditions are also deteriorating, with oil revenue dropping and inflation soaring to 300 percent.
Funding for humanitarian and development programmes has dwindled, exacerbating the suffering of the population.
Going further, Guterres also raised concerns about ethnic and political targeting by security forces and the spread of misinformation on social media, which he warned could trigger further violence.
“Let’s not mince words. What we are seeing is darkly reminiscent of the 2013 and 2016 civil wars, which killed 400,000 people,” he stated.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is working to ease tensions and protect civilians, but Guterres admitted that operational limitations hinder its efforts.
He urged South Sudan’s leaders to fulfill their commitments under the peace agreement, which he stressed is the only legal framework for peaceful elections scheduled for December 2026.
“Now more than ever, the leaders of South Sudan must hear a clear, unified, and resounding message. Put down the weapons, put all the people of South Sudan first,” Guterres said.
Guterres also called on the regional and international community to stand together in supporting the peace process and rejecting any attempts to undermine it.
He revealed that he had spoken with the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson earlier in the day and expressed full support for the AU’s initiative to deploy the Panel of the Wise to help mediate the crisis.
“We fully support the AU initiative to deploy the Panel of the Wise, as well as the efforts of the special envoy of President William Ruto of Kenya, and we will be working in close cooperation with the AU and IGAD,” he stated.
Reflecting on his past experiences with South Sudanese refugees, Guterres expressed deep concern for the people’s suffering and their unfulfilled aspirations.
“They had such enormous hopes and aspirations, but unfortunately, not the leadership they deserve,” he remarked.
Riek Machar and his wife, Angelina Teny, were placed under house arrest on Wednesday night, an action that now threatens peace in the fragile nation.
The arrest follows weeks of escalating clashes between Machar's forces and the South Sudan People's Defence Forces near the capital Juba.
Regional leaders and bodies have been calling for restraint and de-escalation of the situation.
On Thursday, President Ruto had a phone conversation with his South Sudan counterpart, Salva Kirr, following reports of the arrest of Machar.
Following their conversation, Ruto announced that he was sending a special envoy to South Sudan to ease tensions. Ruto noted that he consulted President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali before making the decision.
As a result, Ruto appointed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the Special Envoy to South Sudan.
Raila expressed confidence that the crisis in South Sudan will be resolved amicably. He issued a statement after meeting Kiir in the capital, Juba, on Friday, saying he was encouraged by the possibility of a resolution to the conflict.
“I will be briefing other regional leaders and President Ruto on my mission and a possible roadmap to sustainable peace and stability,” he said.
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