The United Kingdom, United States and Norway have issued a joint statement warning of escalating conflict across South Sudan and urging an immediate return to the nationwide ceasefire set out in the 2018 Revitalised Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R‑ARCSS). The governments framed the situation as a risk to civilians and to regional stability, and said course correction is urgent.
The statement argues that the transitional government of national unity is not observing the power‑sharing terms envisaged by R‑ARCSS and points to governance failures, including unpaid public sector salaries and donor spending on basic services outstripping that of the state. It adds that leadership changes have been unilateral and destabilising rather than focused on governing or preparing for elections.
Calling for an immediate de‑escalation, the three governments urge all parties-specifically SPLM‑IG and SPLM‑IO-to cease armed attacks, recommit to the nationwide ceasefire and return to sustained, leader‑level dialogue.
The statement lists specific steps expected of the authorities: end aerial attacks against civilians; release political prisoners; use public revenue to pay civil servants; and fund health, education and other essential services. The Troika capitals argue these are prerequisites to restoring public and international confidence.
Humanitarian access and UN operations feature prominently. The statement demands that officials stop interfering with aid agencies and cease obstructing the departure and in‑country movement of UN peacekeepers, describing such behaviour as unacceptable and counterproductive to civilian protection.
The UN Security Council extended the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to 30 April 2026 and reminded the authorities to comply with the Status of Forces Agreement, including by ending movement restrictions and allowing UNMISS to use all bases without hindrance. That decision underlines the international expectation that the government enable, not impede, protection and aid operations.
UN officials have repeatedly warned that renewed fighting could mirror the country’s worst violence in 2013 and 2016. In March 2025, UNMISS called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged leaders to recommit to the peace agreement by adhering to the ceasefire and reconvening as a genuinely unified government after reported clashes near Juba.
The humanitarian stakes are high. UN briefers told the Security Council in April that three quarters of the population-around 9.3 million people-require assistance, and that operational constraints, including movement restrictions, limit the mission’s ability to respond. The Troika’s demand to end interference is therefore directly linked to safeguarding aid delivery.
The statement concludes with a call for South Sudan’s neighbours to deliver consistent messages to Juba and for the leadership to demonstrate progress through concrete actions. It argues that halting the current violence, restoring the ceasefire and funding essential services would help rebuild trust and draw wider support and investment.