Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 13, 2025 Peace and security
The escalating political crisis in South Sudan is triggering renewed armed violence and exacerbating the already dire situation for the country's residents. This was stated today by experts from the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan following their mission to the headquarters. African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
South Sudan gained independence in July 2011, but by late 2013, fierce fighting had broken out between forces loyal to President Salvatore Kiir and supporters of his rival, Riek Machar. Although the war ended with the signing of a peace agreement and the formation of a government of national unity, tensions have risen again. following the arrest of Machar, the first vice president and opposition leader, earlier this year.
The peace process has reached a dead end
The Commission noted that South Sudanese leaders are "deliberately delaying" the implementation of peace agreements, despite years of efforts by the African Union and regional mediators.
Armed clashes are once again occurring on a scale not seen since 2017. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence, suffering human rights violations and being forced to flee their homes.
Moreover, according to the Commission's experts, "the vacuum of justice and accountability continues to fuel political intransigence, impunity, violence and corruption."
The Commission's recent report highlights that corruption and embezzlement of public funds remain key factors in the conflict.
Political crisis
Mission leader Barney Afako said the current political crisis, intensifying fighting and "systemic, uncontrolled corruption" reflected the failure of the political leadership.
"Without immediate, sustained, and coordinated political intervention from regional states, South Sudan risks sliding into full-scale war with unpredictable consequences," he stressed.
Afako added that the people of South Sudan "are looking to the African Union and the region" to save the country from a preventable disaster.
Justice as a condition of peace
The Commission called on the African Union to expedite the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms provided for in the peace agreement, including the hybrid court.
"Today, South Sudan needs justice more than ever," said Commission Chairperson Yasmin Suka. "Promises made to victims many years ago remain unfulfilled."
According to her, the activities of the hybrid court should not only ensure accountability for past crimes, but also strengthen national justice institutions.
Humanitarian consequences
UN experts reported that armed clashes and forced displacement are again on the rise: approximately 300,000 people have fled the country since the beginning of the year. The region is home to 2.5 million South Sudanese refugees.
Meanwhile, approximately two million people remain displaced within South Sudan. The country has also become a refuge for 560,000 people fleeing war-torn Sudan.
"The mounting violence, mass displacement, and the erosion of the peace agreement signed seven years ago demonstrate that South Sudan cannot recover without stability and justice," noted Commission member Carlos Castresana Fernández. He emphasized the need to establish "robust and independent justice and accountability mechanisms."
"The African Union and regional partners must act now – not only to prevent another war, but also to lay the foundation for a just peace based on the rule of law," the expert added.
The members of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan are not UN employees and serve on a voluntary basis. The Commission was established by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2016.
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