The United States has warned South Sudan against making unilateral amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, saying such actions undermine efforts to stabilize the country.
Speaking at the UN Security Council, US Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs Ambassador Jennifer Locetta said peace remains Washington’s top priority in South Sudan.
“The United States’ first priority in South Sudan is peace. However, South Sudan’s leaders have systematically undermined this goal since their independence in 2011 – repeatedly pushing the country back to the brink of war.”
She accused South Sudan’s leaders of repeatedly pushing the country back to the brink of conflict since independence in 2011.
Locetta cited ongoing military operations across Greater Equatoria and Greater Upper Nile as evidence that the country is moving away from peace and stability.
She said the violence has displaced thousands of civilians and forced humanitarian agencies to suspend operations.
The fighting has also triggered the evacuation of UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) personnel, limiting the mission’s ability to protect civilians.
“These actions directly obstruct UNMISS’s mandate and catastrophically worsen an already dire humanitarian emergency,” she said.
The US strongly condemned the military operations and urged all parties to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw forces, and allow unhindered humanitarian access.
Locetta also raised concerns over the transitional government’s repeated amendments to the peace agreement without consultation.
“Any revisions to the agreement must be achieved through transparent and inclusive dialogue involving all signatories,” she said, warning against unilateral action.
The United States urged Security Council members to continue pressuring the transitional government to remove restrictions on UNMISS operations.
Locetta condemned what she described as government interference that has imposed unnecessary financial costs on the UN mission.
She said South Sudan must be held financially accountable for expenses incurred due to such actions.
Locetta further accused South Sudanese officials of failing to uphold commitments under the Status of Forces Agreement.
She cited demands to close key UNMISS bases in Wau and Bentiu as a serious concern.
“Our position is unequivocal,” she said. “Any further non-cooperation will constitute a threat to the Mission’s viability.”
She warned that continued obstruction would influence future US decisions on assistance, diplomatic engagement, and support for UNMISS.
