The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has raised alarm over worsening insecurity in South Sudan, warning that escalating violence in Jonglei State is displacing civilians and threatening the country’s fragile peace process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Youssouf said he was “deeply concerned over the deteriorating security situation in parts of the Republic of South Sudan,” citing reports of rising tensions and violence that have forced large numbers of people to flee their homes. He described the situation as dangerous, particularly for civilians caught in the conflict.
The AU Commission Chairperson said he was “gravely alarmed by reports of inflammatory rhetoric and actions that risk inciting further violence,” noting that such developments place civilian populations, “including women and children, at heightened risk.”
He stressed that these actions undermine the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which remains the cornerstone of the country’s peace efforts.
AU boss strongly condemned any attacks on civilians, emphasizing that “the protection of civilians remains a fundamental responsibility of all parties to the conflict.”
While acknowledging that South Sudanese leaders have continued to publicly affirm their commitment to peace, he warned that ongoing violations of the Permanent Ceasefire are having serious humanitarian consequences.
The AU Chairperson called on all parties to “exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions, and fully comply with their obligations under the R-ARCSS.”
He highlighted the need for strict adherence to ceasefire arrangements, respect for agreed power-sharing mechanisms, and a return to “inclusive, consensus-based decision-making.”
He further urged South Sudanese stakeholders to put national interests first, calling on them to “place the interests of the people of South Sudan above all other considerations” and to resolve outstanding differences through dialogue and peaceful means.
According to Youssouf, this approach is critical to ensuring the successful completion of the country’s Transitional Period.
The African Union reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to supporting South Sudan’s quest for lasting peace, stability, and national reconciliation.
Youssouf said the AU would continue to work closely with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, and international partners to help stabilize the country and safeguard the peace agreement.
The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) had on Saturday ordered civilians, humanitarian workers and United Nations personnel to immediately leave opposition-held areas of Jonglei State ahead of a planned military offensive dubbed “Operation Enduring Peace.”
In a statement, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the directives target areas under the control of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), specifically Nyirol, Uror and Akobo counties, citing the imminent start of military operations.
He warned that any armed civilians found near SPLA-IO barracks, assembly points or rally grounds would be considered legitimate military targets.
“With imminent commencement of ‘Operation Enduring Peace’, all civil population in SPLA-IO controlled areas of Nyirol, Uror and Akobo are directed to immediately evacuate for safety to government-controlled areas as soon as possible,” the statement said.
The army also ordered armed civilians who do not wish to take part in hostilities to surrender their weapons at the nearest SSPDF garrison without delay.
Youths who are not members of the White Army — a Nuer-dominated community militia allied with the SPLA-IO — were also instructed to relocate their families and livestock to government-controlled territories.
