The United States on Monday accused South Sudan’s leaders of “pretending” to uphold the 2018 peace agreement while detaining opposition figures and continuing military strikes against civilians.
Acting U.S. Representative Dorothy Shea told the UN Security Council that the peace accord “cannot be considered in effect while First Vice President Riek Machar is under house arrest, others from his party are jailed, and SSPDF military strikes continue against other South Sudanese. Nor should the South Sudanese people be expected to do so.”
The 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was intended to end years of civil war by integrating armed forces, promoting political inclusivity, ensuring transparent management of public funds, and creating civic space.
Despite these commitments, Shea said leaders from all parties have failed to deliver on key obligations, leaving millions trapped in cycles of conflict and deprivation.
“Generations of South Sudanese continue to suffer due to the lack of political will to implement the agreement,” she said.
Shea referenced the UN Secretary-General’s August 7 report, which documented that between April 1 and July 15, military operations displaced 300,000 people, killed hundreds of civilians, and destroyed critical infrastructure.
Women and girls have been subjected to sexual violence, while children are forcibly recruited, maimed, or killed. Additionally, 132,000 South Sudanese fled to neighboring countries, exacerbating regional instability.
She warned that ongoing violence has intensified humanitarian needs, with more than 70 percent of the population now requiring aid.
Delivering assistance has been complicated by attacks on humanitarian workers, corruption, and systemic obstruction.
“The transitional government’s unilateral actions undermine national unity, violate the peace deal, and risk a return to civil war,” Shea said.
The United States called on South Sudanese leaders to immediately cease hostilities, release all political detainees, and engage in genuine dialogue.
Shea also urged full cooperation with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to allow peacekeepers to operate without interference.
She concluded by praising UNMISS personnel and emphasizing the need for continued international support to stabilize the country, protect civilians, and uphold peace commitments.
