South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) issued a warning on Tuesday that unilateral actions and partial implementation of the 2018 peace agreement are undermining its integrity.
During her keynote address at the opening of the 4th RJMEC extraordinary meeting in Juba, Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer in Charge of Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, highlighted the dangers posed by the lack of progress in implementing the 2018 peace deal.
“Unilateral actions, partial implementation, or selective adherence continue to undermine the integrity of the Agreement,” Kiki stated.
Kiki, who also serves as the Deputy Special Representative of UNMISS and the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasised that the transitional governance and security framework established under the 2018 peace agreement has been significantly weakened.
“The consequences of the lack of progress are evident. The security situation has deteriorated in several parts of the country, with incidents of aerial bombardments and direct political violence between the principal parties to the R-ARCSS,” she said.
She noted that the United Nations Human Rights Office recorded a significant rise in civilian casualties resulting from conflict-related violence from January to September, with a 59 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Kiki expressed concern over what she referred to as a ‘political schism’ stemming from the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar and other senior officials of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-IO since March 2025.
“This was followed by charges and suspensions announced on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the signing of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, culminating in his trial alongside co-accused individuals,” she said.
She stated that the UN remains neutral and is committed to upholding the rule of law, while stressing the importance of ensuring that all judicial proceedings against Machar and his allies adhere to international standards of fairness, transparency, and due process.
“The political crisis is also exacerbating the humanitarian situation. Insecurity and conflict continue to drive significant and new displacement.”
Kiki indicated that the recent political crisis has resulted in the displacement of over
497,000 individuals, with nearly 321,000 displaced due to conflict and 175,000 due to flooding.
“The revitalised peace agreement, agreed upon by the parties themselves, remains the only framework for completing an inclusive political transition and achieving lasting peace in South Sudan,” she said.
“There is no alternative. Any deviation from its provisions or attempts to circumvent its mechanisms risks plunging the country back into conflict and uncertainty.”
She noted that the challenges facing the R-ARCSS are man-made, fundamentally political, and can only be resolved through inclusive dialogue.
“The time for action is now—the people of South Sudan deserve peace and a unified commitment to their safety, security, and stability.”
