The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has issued a call for immediate and coordinated action from regional and international partners to protect civilians and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement (RPA), in light of escalating violence and political instability in the country. This plea seeks to address the concerning military clashes, indiscriminate attacks on civilians, and recent arrests of political figures, all of which threaten to destabilize the fragile peace process.
The RPA, signed in 2018, is a crucial agreement designed to facilitate a permanent ceasefire, power sharing, and the unification of armed forces within South Sudan. It includes provisions for the demobilization and disarmament of former combatants, thereby playing a key role in maintaining the country’s stability. Recent months, however, have seen a significant uptick in violence, particularly in the Upper Nile region, where over 60,000 people have been displaced due to ongoing military skirmishes and aerial assaults targeting populated areas.
The surge in violence forms part of a recent pattern of arbitrary detentions that have become a tool for intimidation against political opponents and dissidents. This year alone, South Sudanese authorities have detained 22 political and military personnel, many associated with opposition leaders like First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar. Machar’s arrest on allegations of attempting to incite rebellion underscores the perilous political climate.
Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission, emphasized that the crisis stems from a failure to protect civilians and honor the commitments of the RPA. She warned that the targeting of opposition leaders and civilians signifies a reckless disregard for international law and jeopardizes South Sudan’s future. The Commission has cautioned that neglecting the RPA’s protections—such as political participation and cessation of hostilities—could precipitate a disastrous return to conflict.
Additionally, the situation may be further complicated by foreign intervention. Forces from Uganda, deployed at the behest of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, pose the risk of heightening tensions between government and opposition forces and increasing civilian vulnerability. These deployments also risk breaching UN arms embargoes on South Sudan, intensifying concerns over potential international legal violations. The Commission’s appeal underscores the critical need for adherence to the peace agreement and protection of human rights in South Sudan.