South Sudan: Urgent African Union Action Needed
- Teh African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council will convene on january 19 to discuss the worsening humanitarian and security situation in South Sudan, following a recent assessment...
- The 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) has been considerably undermined by unilateral amendments made by President Salva...
- On December 21, 2025, FEWS NET reported that 7.3 million people,or 64% of the population,were facing high levels of acute food insecurity,classifying them as IPC Phase 3 or...
African Union to Address Escalating Abuses in South Sudan
Table of Contents
Teh African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council will convene on january 19 to discuss the worsening humanitarian and security situation in South Sudan, following a recent assessment of the stalled 2018 peace agreement.
Context of the Peace Agreement’s Implementation
The 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) has been considerably undermined by unilateral amendments made by President Salva Kiir’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). this has stalled key provisions related to security arrangements and power-sharing, contributing to increased instability.The AU High-Level Ad Hoc Commitee on South Sudan visited the country to assess the situation, leading to the scheduled Peace and Security Council meeting.
On December 21, 2025, FEWS NET reported that 7.3 million people,or 64% of the population,were facing high levels of acute food insecurity,classifying them as IPC Phase 3 or above. FEWS NET report
Increased AU Engagement, Limited Impact
Over the past year, the AU has increased diplomatic efforts to address the crisis in South Sudan. These efforts include deploying the Panel of the Wise on March 31, 2025, to facilitate mediation, and conducting a field mission to Juba from august 10-12, 2025, to assess the situation firsthand.AU Commission Press Release, peace AU Article.Despite this increased engagement, the human rights and humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
Escalating Abuses and Protection Needs
The AU Peace and Security Council meeting is expected to focus on the urgent need to protect civilians amidst escalating abuses. Radio Tamazuj reported on January 15, 2026, that the AU is considering a retreat in South Africa for South Sudan’s leaders to address the implementation of the peace agreement. Radio Tamazuj Article. The council is urged to take concrete actions to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure accountability for human rights violations.