The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) has called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities in South Sudan, expressing deep concern over the slow implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The call was made following the PSC’s 1326th meeting held on 23 January 2026, during which the Council reviewed the latest developments in the country.
In a communiqué issued after the session, the PSC highlighted the escalating violence among signatories, including clashes and reported aerial bombardments, urging all parties to refrain from actions that undermine peace.
The Council emphasized that there is no viable military solution to South Sudan’s challenges and reaffirmed that the R-ARCSS remains the only framework for achieving lasting peace, stability, and development in the country.
The Council also raised alarms over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, driven by internal insecurity, the influx of refugees from Sudan, and adverse effects of climate change.
The PSC demanded that belligerents guarantee unfettered humanitarian access to affected populations and urged international and regional agencies to continue supporting relief efforts.
In addition, the AU strongly condemned violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including sexual violence, arbitrary detentions, and extra-judicial killings.
The Council warned perpetrators that they would be held accountable for their actions, underlining the AU’s commitment to justice and the rule of law in South Sudan.
The PSC also stressed the urgent need for political dialogue and consensus-building among South Sudanese leaders to prevent the collapse of the peace process.
It called on the Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to expedite the implementation of outstanding transitional tasks, including preparation for elections scheduled by December 2026 and the completion of key reforms by February 2027.
The Council welcomed ongoing efforts by IGAD, the AU High-Level Ad Hoc Committee of Five (C5), the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC), and the UN to support the peace process.
It encouraged participation in an upcoming C-5 Plus Summit and a political retreat hosted by South Africa, aimed at reinforcing commitments to the R-ARCSS.
The PSC concluded by urging all parties to prioritize the supreme interests of the South Sudanese people, adopt a people-centered approach, and refrain from actions or rhetoric that could escalate tensions, including hate speech or divisive propaganda.
