Norway has issued a stark warning to South Sudan’s political leaders, the country now has only one path to prevent renewed conflict open and honest dialogue.”
Speaking at a national peace forum in Juba, Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan , Ambassador Roar Haugsdal said the time for political excuses, delays, and closed-door negotiations has passed. With the transitional period nearing its end and violence flaring across several regions, the message was blunt dialogue is no longer a choice, but a survival requirement.
Norway urged South Sudan’s leaders to “turn the page,” recommit to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and reopen political space for civil society, women, youth, and grassroots peacebuilders who are holding communities together in the absence of political leadership.
The country, Haugsdal warned, stands dangerously close to slipping back into widespread armed conflict if leaders continue to ignore calls for transparency, accountability, and inclusive engagement.
“Real peace begins with communities,” Norway emphasized, noting that while ordinary citizens, women, elders, youth, and local mediators, continue to reconcile differences in villages, cattle camps, churches, and markets, national leaders must match that effort by fostering an environment where dissenting voices are respected and institutions can function impartially.
At a moment described as “critical,” Norway insisted that only truthful dialogue, political courage, and full implementation of the peace agreement can steer South Sudan toward stability, democracy, and long-delayed development.
Adding to the call, Korto Williams, Deputy Country Representative of UN Women, highlighted the critical role of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. She said peace is “not a luxury; it is the foundation upon which all progress stands,” and stressed that women are not merely victims of conflict they are essential leaders in peacebuilding.
Williams cited alarming statistics from the 2025 UN Secretary-General report: 676 million women live near deadly conflict zones, civilian casualties among women and children have quadrupled in just two years, and conflict-related sexual violence has surged by 87 percent.
Yet, she noted, countries that actively implement national action plans on Women, Peace, and Security have seen up to 40 percent increases in women’s participation in local peace dialogues, demonstrating the transformative power of inclusive leadership.
UN Women has been a key partner in advancing this agenda in South Sudan, supporting the National Action Plan, strengthening women leaders and civil society organizations, and facilitating dialogues that center women’s voices.
The organization also runs the Women, Peace, and Security Working Group and the South Sudan Gender Observatory, ensuring progress is monitored and amplified across the country.
Williams concluded with a call to action: “Let us move forward together. Let us make peace a practice and promise.” She emphasized that sustainable peace will only succeed when it is inclusive, grounded in local realities, and led by the communities themselves.
Both Norway and UN Women’s statements at the Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue on Accelerating Peace Initiatives and De-escalating Violence in South Sudan, Juba.
