European embassies raise concern over South Sudan political tensions

European countries have raised concerns over rising political tensions and the fragile peace process in South Sudan, accusing the country’s leaders of failing to cooperate in finding lasting solutions.

In a joint statement, the embassies of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union expressed alarm over what they described as a lack of political will to advance peace efforts.

The envoys cited ongoing politically motivated violence, repeated violations of the ceasefire, and the transitional government's failure to make efforts toward restoring peace.

“The embassies and the delegation reaffirm their call for the release of political detainees to allow the immediate resumption of direct dialogue among leaders of all parties, including President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar,” the statement read in part.

They also urged the rescheduling of the Revitalized Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), whose meetings were postponed to address key challenges to peace.

“There should be no unilateral actions that further jeopardise the 2018 peace agreement. South Sudan’s leaders must meet their obligations and demonstrate that their priority is peace,” the envoys stated.

Machar has been under house arrest for weeks, with his party earlier this week naming an interim leader.