IGAD urges restraint as South Sudan crisis escalates

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called for immediate de-escalation in South Sudan following renewed violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State, that has left scores dead and threatens the country’s fragile peace process.

IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu told the 43rd Extraordinary Summit of IGAD Heads of State and Government that the latest clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army militia have placed the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement in jeopardy.

“The security situation in South Sudan deteriorated on March 4, when an estimated 6,000 White Army combatants overran an SSPDF encampment in Nasir, inflicting significant casualties,” said Gebeyehu.

He noted that tensions escalated further on March 7 when a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) operation to evacuate stranded SSPDF personnel resulted in the deaths of General Majur Dak, several soldiers, and a UN crew member.

The United Nations has condemned the incident as a potential war crime and called for an investigation.

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Gebeyehu said IGAD remains committed to ensuring stability in South Sudan and acknowledged the efforts of regional leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, in mediating the crisis.

“We commend President Ruto for spearheading the Tumaini Initiative, which has been instrumental in fostering dialogue with non-signatories to the peace agreement,” said Gebeyehu.

Despite efforts to sustain peace, Gebeyehu warned that South Sudan remains on the brink of further conflict, with political tensions rising in Juba following the detention of opposition figures and the dismissal of opposition-appointed officials.

“The mechanisms established to oversee security arrangements, such as the Joint Defence Board, have fallen into disuse, while progress on drafting a new constitution and preparing for elections remains stalled,” he said.

He urged South Sudanese leaders to uphold the peace agreement and called for renewed dialogue to prevent a return to full-scale war.

IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations continue to engage stakeholders in efforts to stabilise the country, but concerns remain over South Sudan’s ability to hold elections as scheduled under the extended transitional roadmap.