UN Warns of Rising Violence, Urges AU and UN to Prevent South Sudan’s Return to War

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned that escalating violence the worst since the 2017 ceasefire and deepening political paralysis are pushing the country toward a new full-scale war.

The commission accused South Sudan’s leaders of deliberately stalling peace efforts and allowing corruption and impunity to fuel instability.

Commissioner Barney Afako urged immediate, coordinated intervention by the African Union (AU) and UN Security Council to prevent further collapse, stressing that millions of civilians are suffering as the peace process unravels.

The commission called on the AU to activate transitional justice mechanisms promised in the 2018 peace deal, especially the long-delayed Hybrid Court for South Sudan to address atrocities committed since 2013.

Chair Yasmin Sooka emphasized that justice and accountability are essential to break the country’s recurring cycles of violence.

Renewed clashes have displaced over 300,000 people this year alone, adding to 2.5 million refugees and 2 million internally displaced. Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández said South Sudan cannot achieve peace without credible justice institutions to end impunity.

As AU and UN officials meet in Addis Ababa this week, the commission urged both bodies to prioritize accountability and press South Sudan’s leaders to put citizens’ welfare above personal and political gain.