South Sudan risks sliding back into widespread conflict as peace gains erode amid renewed fighting, stalled reforms, and a worsening humanitarian crisis, a senior UN official warned on Monday.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Pobee, told the UN Security Council that repeated military offensives, political deadlock, and unilateral actions by parties to the Revitalised Peace Agreement have delayed critical reforms ahead of December 2026 elections.
“Since March, offensives by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces against SPLM-IO, including aerial bombardments, have killed civilians, displaced communities, and destroyed schools and hospitals,” Pobee said.
She warned that without a halt to hostilities, the conflict could escalate into ethnically divided violence, potentially drawing in neighboring countries.
While leaders have pledged to hold elections, little progress has been made on security arrangements, constitutional reforms, and preparations for credible polls.
Pobee urged authorities to reconvene the Joint Task Force on Elections and Constitution-Making, stressing that “declarations of commitment are not enough.”
The UN also expressed concern over the arrest of opposition figures without due process, which undermines trust and hinders political dialogue.
Humanitarian conditions are dire.
Between April and July, 7.7 million people faced acute food insecurity, including 83,000 at risk of famine-like conditions.
The Humanitarian Response Plan is less than 30% funded halfway through the year, leaving millions without lifesaving aid.
Access incidents have nearly doubled compared to 2024, and humanitarian workers face increasing attacks.
Pobee praised civil society, youth, and women’s engagement, along with judicial reforms, but stressed these measures must be backed by political will.
She called on the Security Council, the African Union, and IGAD to pressure leaders to recommit to the peace deal, release political detainees, halt unilateral actions, and create a secure environment for elections and development.
“The Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the only viable framework to break the cycle of violence and deliver South Sudan’s first democratic elections,” Pobee said.
“Failing this, the risk of relapse into widespread conflict will only grow.”
