African Union urges restraint in South Sudan
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has appealed for de-escalation in South Sudan and for all stakeholders to uphold the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, commonly known as the R-ARCSS.
The call comes as the African Union frames the peace deal as the central reference point for stabilising the country and guiding the transitional process toward lasting peace and national reconciliation.
2018 R-ARCSS: who signed the South Sudan peace deal
The R-ARCSS was signed on September 12, 2018, between the incumbent government led by President Salva Kiir and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition, SPLM-IO, led by Riek Machar.
Other signatories included the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, the SPLM-Former Detainees, and Other Political Parties, reflecting a broad coalition that the agreement seeks to hold together through power-sharing and consensus-based governance.
Jonglei security concerns and civilian displacement
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said he was deeply concerned by what he described as a deteriorating security situation in parts of South Sudan.
He highlighted reports of rising tensions and violence in Jonglei State, noting that the situation has reportedly displaced large numbers of civilians, an outcome that places immediate pressure on local protection and humanitarian responses.
Inflammatory rhetoric and risks to women and children
Youssouf said he was gravely alarmed by reports of inflammatory rhetoric and actions that could fuel further violence, warning that civilian populations face heightened risks.
He explicitly referenced women and children among those most exposed, signalling the African Union’s focus on preventing harm to non-combatants during periods of political and security volatility.
Ceasefire violations and R-ARCSS implementation
According to the statement, such developments threaten the implementation of the R-ARCSS “in letter and spirit,” as renewed confrontation can weaken confidence in agreed security and governance pathways.
Youssouf also expressed serious concern about ongoing violations of the Permanent Ceasefire and their adverse humanitarian impact, reinforcing the link between security compliance and civilian well-being.
AU calls for dialogue and inclusive decision-making
The Commission Chairperson condemned calls for, and acts of, violence against civilians and reiterated that protecting civilians is a fundamental responsibility of all parties to the conflict.
He urged stakeholders to show maximum restraint, de-escalate immediately, and comply fully with obligations under the R-ARCSS, including adherence to ceasefire arrangements, respect for power-sharing mechanisms, and a return to inclusive, consensus-based decision-making.
Youssouf further encouraged South Sudanese actors to prioritise the interests of the population and address differences through dialogue and peaceful means, with the stated aim of completing the Transitional Period successfully.
AU support with IGAD, UN and international partners
The African Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the people and Government of South Sudan in pursuit of lasting peace, stability and national reconciliation.
It said it would continue working closely with IGAD, the United Nations and international partners toward these objectives, positioning coordination as essential to sustaining momentum around the R-ARCSS framework.