The international community has issued a strong call for an immediate cessation of hostilities across South Sudan following renewed violence in Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria, and other parts of the country.
The group warned that continued fighting is worsening the humanitarian crisis and threatening fragile peace efforts.
In a joint statement, the Embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States expressed grave concern over the escalation of violence, which has reportedly displaced civilians, disrupted livelihoods, and restricted access to life-saving humanitarian assistance.
The diplomatic missions urged all parties to the conflict to halt fighting without delay and to resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue.
“The continued use of violence undermines stability and deepens the suffering of civilians,” the statement said.
It added that military confrontations only compound humanitarian needs in a country already facing food insecurity, flooding, and economic hardship.
The embassies stressed that civilians must be protected at all times, in line with international humanitarian and human rights law.
The international partners also renewed their call for all parties to guarantee safe, timely, and unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations.
They warned that insecurity and bureaucratic impediments are preventing humanitarian organizations from delivering essential aid, including food, medical care, and emergency relief, to some of the most vulnerable communities.
The joint statement called for dialogue and political engagement as the only sustainable path toward peace.
The embassies urged South Sudanese leaders and armed actors to demonstrate restraint, recommit to peaceful conflict resolution, and prioritize the well-being of civilians over military gains.
The group pledged to closely monitor developments and support efforts aimed at restoring calm, advancing peace, and ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
They called on all stakeholders to act with urgency and responsibility to prevent further deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan.
