Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The United Kingdom told the U.N. Security Council on Friday that a return to inclusive political dialogue involving all parties, including First Vice President Riek Machar’s opposition group, is the only viable path to resolving South Sudan’s deepening crisis.
Speaking at a council meeting, UK Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Archie Young warned that renewed fighting between the main signatories to the peace deal is worsening a dire humanitarian situation, displacing civilians and exposing them to serious abuses.
“The only solution to the current crisis in South Sudan is the immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders,” Young said, urging engagement with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition led by Machar.
He cited U.N. reports of grave human rights violations, including conflict-related sexual violence and the recruitment of children, as well as deadly violence in Akobo that has killed civilians, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced large numbers of people.
South Sudan has faced renewed political and security tensions despite the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar. Key provisions of the deal, including security sector reforms and the constitution-making process, remain largely unimplemented, weakening the fragile power-sharing arrangement.
Machar was suspended as First Vice President, detained in March 2025, and is now facing treason charges before a special court over his alleged role in violent attacks in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
Kiir’s camp is pushing to amend the 2018 peace agreement to allow elections in December this year, amid concerns over the inclusivity of the process.
Young called on South Sudan’s leaders to meet their obligations under international law by protecting civilians and allowing unhindered humanitarian access.
The UK also welcomed renewed diplomatic efforts, including the appointment of former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete as African Union special envoy, and coordination among the United Nations, African Union, IGAD, and international partners such as the Troika.
He urged the transitional government and other parties to engage fully in these initiatives and return to the stalled political process.
Young also highlighted the role of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), while criticizing authorities for restricting its operations, saying such obstruction undermines civilian protection and humanitarian support.
The Security Council is expected to review UNMISS’s mandate in the coming weeks, with Britain calling for a mission that is “credible, deliverable, and responsive” to conditions on the ground.
Young also congratulated the new U.N. special representative for South Sudan and paid tribute to her predecessor, the late Fink Haysom, for his contribution to peace efforts.
For More News And Analysis About South-Sudan Follow Africa-Press
