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The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has intensified its efforts to address escalating tensions in South Sudan, as the country faces renewed political instability and armed clashes. The regional bloc, which has been a key mediator in South Sudan’s peace process, convened the 43rd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on March 12, 2025, to tackle the deteriorating situation and reaffirm its commitment to peace and stability in the region.
The summit, held virtually, brought together leaders from IGAD member states to discuss the evolving crisis in South Sudan. The discussions focused on the recent clashes in Upper Nile State, particularly in Nasir County, where armed groups linked to First Vice President Riek Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) have been involved in violent confrontations with government forces. The violence has further strained the fragile coalition government formed under the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue. “The hard-won gains of the 2018 peace agreement must not be jeopardized. Dialogue and reconciliation remain the only sustainable path to peace,” Dr. Workneh stated. He also announced that IGAD would dispatch a high-level delegation to assess the situation on the ground and engage with the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) on measures to restore calm.
The recent unrest has been fueled by a series of political and military developments, including the arrests of key figures allied with Machar, such as Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam. These arrests, coupled with the dismissal of several ministers in a cabinet reshuffle by President Salva Kiir, have heightened tensions within the coalition government. Machar’s allies have condemned the arrests as a violation of the peace agreement, warning that such actions could derail the fragile peace process.
The clashes in Upper Nile State have also exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region, with thousands of civilians displaced and in urgent need of assistance. IGAD has called on all parties to uphold the permanent ceasefire and adhere to the provisions of the R-ARCSS, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring their safety.
The international community has echoed IGAD’s concerns, with the United Nations and other stakeholders urging South Sudan’s leaders to recommit to the peace process. The delays in implementing key provisions of the R-ARCSS, including security sector reforms and the unification of forces, have been cited as major obstacles to achieving lasting peace. Regional and international actors are now pressing for tangible action to address these challenges and prevent further escalation.
President Salva Kiir has sought to reassure the public and the international community, stating that the government remains committed to the peace agreement and will work to resolve the current tensions. However, the situation remains precarious, with analysts warning that the lack of trust and cooperation among coalition partners could undermine the progress made since the signing of the R-ARCSS.
As IGAD continues its mediation efforts, the focus remains on fostering dialogue and building consensus among South Sudan’s leaders. The regional bloc’s role as a guarantor of the peace agreement is critical in ensuring that the country stays on the path to stability and development.
The stakes are high for South Sudan, a nation still recovering from a devastating civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The renewed tensions serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in consolidating peace and rebuilding the country. With IGAD’s support and the commitment of all stakeholders, there is hope that South Sudan can overcome its current crisis and move toward a brighter future.