The United Nations Security Council on Friday voiced grave concern over escalating violence across South Sudan, particularly in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria states, warning that those responsible for ordering war crimes could be held accountable under international law.
In a statement, the 15-member council urged all parties to immediately halt renewed hostilities and resolve disputes through dialogue. It said the worsening security situation is intensifying humanitarian needs and placing additional strain on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), limiting its ability to fulfil its mandate.
Council members stressed that continued, constructive cooperation between South Sudan’s government and UNMISS is essential to maintaining stability.
They also expressed concern over calls to shut down key UN bases in Wau and Bentiu, warning that such moves would pose a serious threat to UNMISS and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, and significantly weaken their operational capacity.
The council further called on South Sudanese leaders to engage in genuine inter-party dialogue on any potential amendments to the 2018 peace agreement, emphasising that any process must be inclusive and transparent.
The warning comes as the United Nations reports clashes on a scale not seen since 2017, fuelling fears of a return to full-scale civil war in the world’s youngest nation.
Some of the most intense fighting has been reported in Jonglei state, along the border with Ethiopia, where government forces are attempting to repel an offensive by fighters loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition.