United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged limited progress toward peace in South Sudan while warning of persistent risks, including ongoing clashes and humanitarian crises.
Speaking to diplomats, Guterres noted that a ceasefire has largely held across most of the country, with improved security conditions over the past three months. However, he emphasized the fragility of the situation, citing continued fighting between government forces and rebel groups, as well as rising sexual violence against women and girls.
The UN chief attributed the partial stability to growing cooperation between government troops and the main opposition faction led by former Vice President Riek Machar. East African mediators have also engaged with non-signatory rebel groups, though challenges remain in achieving a comprehensive political settlement.
Key provisions of the revitalized peace agreement signed in September 2023 remain unfulfilled, with critical deadlines for security arrangements and transitional governance unmet. A transitional government has yet to meet representation targets for women and opposition figures, while confidence-building measures lag.
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, tasked with overseeing the ceasefire, currently lacks a permanent chair. It is temporarily led by Kenyan Lt-Gen (rtd) Augustino Njoroge. Meanwhile, over four million South Sudanese—nearly a third of the population—remain displaced or refugees in neighboring states.
Guterres urged the Security Council to extend the mandate of the UN mission in South Sudan (Unmiss), which includes 16,000 personnel. He called for the force to operate with flexibility to support peace efforts, as the conflict has claimed 400,000 lives since 2013 and left seven million people food insecure.
