AU calls for de-escalation, respect for South Sudan peace agreement

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Youssouf, has expressed concern over rising tensions and violence in parts of South Sudan.

In a statement, Youssouf warned that the deteriorating security situation, particularly in Jonglei State, has displaced large numbers of civilians.

He said he was gravely alarmed by reports of inflammatory rhetoric and actions that could trigger further violence and put civilians, including women and children, at heightened risk.

Youssouf noted that such developments run counter to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

“The Chairperson is gravely alarmed by reports of inflammatory rhetoric and actions that risk inciting further violence and placing civilian populations, including women and children, at heightened risk. Such developments run counter to the letter and spirit of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS),” the statement read.

He condemned any calls for or acts of violence against civilians and stressed that the protection of civilians is a fundamental responsibility of all parties to the conflict.

While acknowledging public commitments by South Sudanese leaders to the peace process, Youssouf expressed serious concern over ongoing violations of the Permanent Ceasefire and their worsening humanitarian impact.

He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and fully comply with their obligations under the R-ARCSS.

This includes strict adherence to ceasefire arrangements, respect for power-sharing mechanisms, and a return to inclusive, consensus-based decision-making during the transition period.

He also called on South Sudanese stakeholders to put national interest above other considerations and to resolve differences through dialogue and peaceful means.

The African Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting South Sudan’s pursuit of lasting peace, stability, and reconciliation. It said it will continue working closely with IGAD, the United Nations, and international partners toward these goals.

Earlier, the BBC reported that the United Nations said it was “gravely concerned” after a senior military leader in South Sudan urged troops to “spare no-one,” including “children, the elderly, and civilians,” when deployed to opposition-held areas.

The head of the UN mission in South Sudan described such rhetoric as “utterly abhorrent” and called for it to stop.

South Sudan’s deputy army chief, Gen. Johnson Oluny, made the remarks while addressing the Agwelek militia ahead of a deployment to parts of Jonglei State. The government said the comments did not constitute an order.

Forces aligned with South Sudan’s suspended Vice-President Riek Machar have captured several areas in recent weeks.

The military has ordered civilians and personnel from the UN mission and other aid agencies to evacuate three counties in Jonglei State ahead of a planned operation against opposition forces.