UN Security Council Urges Dialogue Amid South Sudan Conflict Escalation

The UN Security Council expressed deep concern over escalating violence in South Sudan, urging all parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue. The violence primarily impacts Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria, threatening humanitarian efforts and the mandates of UN missions in the country.

The United Nations Security Council has raised serious concerns over the escalating violence in South Sudan's Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria regions, as well as throughout the country, warning that those responsible for war crimes could face international legal consequences. In its statement, the 15-member council urged all parties involved to halt renewed hostilities and resolve their issues through dialogue, highlighting its impact on worsening humanitarian needs and the ability of the UN mission there to fulfill its purpose.

Council members emphasized the importance of continued constructive cooperation between South Sudan's government and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), amidst challenges such as demands to close critical bases in Wau and Bentiu, which they argue would pose a significant threat to UNMISS and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei. They encouraged South Sudanese leaders to engage in earnest inter-party dialogue for potential amendments to the 2018 peace agreement.

The situation in South Sudan has reached a critical point, with clashes occurring on an unprecedented scale since 2017. Jonglei, located in the country's east on the Ethiopia border, remains a focal point of intense fighting as government forces attempt to counteract the offensive led by fighters loyal to the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition.