The African Union Peace and Security Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the South Sudan peace process and has called for renewed dialogue.
Innocent Shiyo of Tanzania reiterated the collective responsibility of the council and all stakeholders to protect the achievements of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. He said that although progress has been made, “the comprehensive implementation of the agreement remains hindered by persistent political disagreements and security challenges,” the Daily News of Tanzania reported.
South Sudan’s political and security landscape has continued to deteriorate since renewed violence erupted in March 2025, with an attack on the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces base in Nasir by the militia group known as the White Army. It is reportedly associated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition. The attack is regarded as the biggest setback since the adoption of the agreement in 2018, according to the research group Amani Africa.
“The situation has since devolved into military confrontations, high-level arrests, deployment of Ugandan troops and increased violence,” Amani Africa reported. “These developments have gravely undermined the transitional process.”
At an AU meeting in June 2025 in Ethiopia, Shiyo said that in partnership with regional groups and the United Nations, the AU has engaged in sustained diplomatic efforts to rebuild trust and promote dialogue, underscoring the continent’s commitment to South Sudan’s peace process. He called upon the leadership of South Sudan to demonstrate renewed and demonstrable commitment to the full and faithful implementation of the resolution, regarded as the most legitimate and inclusive framework for advancing national reconciliation, democratic transition and sustainable peace, the Daily News reported.
AU officials said the escalation in violence has included Nasir and surrounding areas in Upper Nile, Jonglei and Unity states, which threatens to unravel the fragile gains achieved under the resolution. The council has strongly condemned ceasefire violations and human rights abuses, including the detention of political leaders and targeted attacks on civilians. The council has emphasized the need to safeguard the integrity of the peace agreement by ensuring the immediate release and reinstatement of political detainees.