By William Madouk
The African Union (AU) has issued a strong warning over rising violence and dangerous rhetoric in South Sudan, saying the country’s fragile peace agreement is at risk unless tensions are urgently de-escalated.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said he was “deeply concerned” by the deteriorating security situation, particularly in Jonglei State, where renewed tensions have displaced large numbers of civilians.
“The African Union is deeply alarmed by the deteriorating security situation and the displacement of large numbers of civilians,” Mr Youssouf said.
He warned that inflammatory language and actions could fuel further violence and place civilians, especially women and children, in grave danger.
“Such developments run counter to the letter and the spirit of the Revitalised Peace Agreement,” he said.
Mr Youssouf strongly condemned any calls for, or acts of, violence against civilians, stressing that their protection is a fundamental obligation.
“The protection of civilians remains a fundamental responsibility of all parties to the conflict,” he said.
The warning follows widespread condemnation of remarks attributed to Lt Gen Johnson Olony Thabo, who reportedly told forces to “spare no one, including the children and the elderly.”
Few days laters, South Sudan’s government distanced itself from the comments, saying they do not reflect official policy or the position of the government.
The Minister of Information and government spokesperson, Ateny Wek Ateny, said the remarks were “personal” and reaffirmed that the government remains committed to the protection of civilians and the implementation of the peace agreement.
Officials said the government continues to uphold the permanent ceasefire and called on all forces to act within the law.
Despite repeated public commitments by South Sudanese leaders to the peace process, the AU Chairperson said he was gravely concerned by continued violations of the permanent ceasefire, warning that they are worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
“Ongoing ceasefire violations are having a serious and adverse humanitarian impact,” Mr Youssouf warned.
He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions and fully comply with their obligations under the peace deal, including respect for ceasefire arrangements, power-sharing mechanisms and inclusive decision-making.
“The interests of the people of South Sudan must come above all other considerations,” he said.
South Sudan descended into civil war in December 2013, two years after independence, killing hundreds of thousands and displacing millions.
A 2018 peace deal, the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), ended large-scale fighting and led to a unity government.
However, key reforms, including the unification of forces and preparations for elections, have faced repeated delays.
Localized violence has continued in several regions, particularly Jonglei and Upper Nile, raising fears that renewed instability could undo fragile peace gains.
The African Union said it remains committed to supporting South Sudan’s path toward lasting peace and will continue to work closely with IGAD, the United Nations and international partners to prevent a return to full-scale conflict.