A coalition of regional and international bodies has issued a joint statement expressing alarm over the escalating political and security crisis in South Sudan.
The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), collectively known as the Quartet, made the remarks on Thursday.
In a media briefing, the Quartet called on the nation’s leaders to halt hostilities and recommit to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
“The ongoing air and ground attacks are unacceptable, they are causing devastating loss of life, displacing civilians, and destroying property,” the Quartet stated. “All parties must cease violence immediately and return to an inclusive dialogue.”
The group condemned the rise of ethnically charged rhetoric and hate speech, warning that such divisive discourse erodes public confidence and weakens peace efforts, denouncing attacks on humanitarian facilities, and stressing that such actions violate international norms and further destabilize the fragile humanitarian space.
Commending recent diplomatic interventions, the Quartet acknowledged the joint African Union and IGAD visit to South Sudan, calling it a critical step in reinforcing regional unity and advancing stability efforts.
“We appreciate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for facilitating this high-level visit,” the Quartet noted. “We hope this initiative will serve as a catalyst for meaningful progress toward peace.”
The coalition urged the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to conduct swift and credible investigations into the recent violence and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
Highlighting concerns over the stagnant peace process, the Quartet called for a transparent, consensus-driven approach, including the release of the First Vice President and detained SPLM/A-IO officials.
“There is no military solution to this conflict,” the statement emphasized. “The only viable path forward is through inclusive political dialogue and full implementation of the R-ARCSS.”
The Quartet reaffirmed the urgent need to restore transitional institutions and meet key peace agreement benchmarks to ensure that South Sudan can hold free, fair, and credible elections at the end of the transitional period.
Despite the challenges, the Quartet expressed cautious optimism that South Sudan’s leaders would rediscover the spirit of unity that led to independence and renew their commitment to a peaceful future.
