South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The United Kingdom on Wednesday expressed its regret over reports of ceasefire violations by both the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA-IO). This ceasefire agreement was originally signed by the parties in September 2018 in Ethiopia.
David Ashley, the UK Ambassador to South Sudan, raised concerns about the ongoing violations that have persisted since mid-February, when violence erupted among the SSPDF, SPLA-IO, and White Army in the Nasir and Ulang counties of Upper Nile State.
“We regret the serious and repeated violations of the ceasefire we have seen since February, including the recent bombing of the MSF hospital in Old Fangak on May 3,” Ashley told journalists at a press conference held in Juba on Wednesday.
Ashley stated that the UK strongly supports the combined efforts of the international community, led by IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations, aimed at restoring stability in the country.
The top UK envoy called for the release of military and political detainees, including the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
“We urge a return to dialogue and de-escalation, which includes an immediate ceasefire and the release of political detainees held by the National Security Service (NSS), including the First Vice President,” he said.
He urged the government to address security issues to create an enabling environment for elections to be conducted by December 2026.
“Clearly, for elections to take place, several conditions must be met. There need to be resources and institutions in place. Security must be ensured for both voters and candidates to campaign,” he said.
“And there must be confidence that people can campaign freely, with equal access to the media and the ability to hold meetings. All of these factors are necessary for elections to take place.”
