By Matik Kueth
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is expected to hold its 43rd Extraordinary Summit on Wednesday to address South Sudan’s deteriorating situation.
In a statement issued on Monday, Djibouti’s President, Ismael Omar Guelleh, and IGAD’s Chairperson emphasized the importance of the summit in light of mounting worries among the international community and regional leaders about the serious developments regarding the recent clashes in Nasir and Ulang counties in Upper Nile State.
A warning from the UN rights commission has indicated that if the parties involved in the 2018 peace agreement do not address the deteriorating conditions, the country could face a full-scale war.
On March 7, 2025, a UN helicopter was attacked in Nasir while attempting to evacuate soldiers. resulting in at least 27 deaths, including that of Major General Majur Dak from the SSPDF.
The UN condemned the incident, labeling it a potential war crime and highlighting the risk it poses to the 2018 peace accord.
The continuous confrontations between the SSPDF and the white army in the Upper Nile State risk President Salva Kiir’s power-sharing agreement with First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
In a statement issued over the weekend, RJMEC urged the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) to take immediate steps to deescalate the situation, pleading with the Presidency to act decisively to avert more violence.
RJMEC cautioned that recent violence might undermine confidence in the peace process and harm South Sudan’s international reputation.
It called on the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to conduct a verification mission in Nasir County, emphasizing the importance of a full report with recommendations to prevent future ceasefire violations.
However, RJMEC underlined the necessity for the Joint Defense Board (JDB) to maintain authoritative control over unified forces to prevent further clashes.
“The commission emphasizes on the importance of the National Transitional Committee (NTC) in expediting the unification and deployment of forces across the country to ensure lasting peace,” it stated.
The commission underscored the vital role of the National Transitional Committee (NTC) in facilitating the unification and deployment of forces nationwide for sustainable peace.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) also condemned the attack as a serious violation of international law and called for accountability.
On the other hand, the African Union and IGAD have urged the leaders of South Sudan to prioritize the safety of humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.
The incident in Nasir underscores the critical necessity for all involved parties to recommit to the peace process and avoid actions that could lead the nation back into conflict.