In a joint statement released Friday, the Embassies of Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union Delegation to South Sudan, expressed deep concern over the country’s worsening political and security situation.
“We reaffirm our urgent call for President Kiir to reverse the house arrest of First Vice President Machar and for all party leaders to return to dialogue urgently aimed at achieving a political solution,” the statement read.
Dr. Machar, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), was detained along with key allies including Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chol, amid rising tensions within the transitional government. No formal charges have been brought against them.
The diplomatic missions described the current crisis as the worst deterioration since the signing of the Revitalised Peace Agreement in 2018, echoing warnings from the Revitalised Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) about the escalating instability.
The statement also condemned inflammatory remarks made on April 26 by Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, who reportedly labelled certain counties as “friendly” or “hostile.” Diplomats criticized the classification as divisive rhetoric that threatens national unity and undermines reconciliation efforts.
“We deplore the use of violence as a tool for political competition,” the envoys stated. “All parties must desist from unilateral actions that could unravel the hard-won gains of the peace process.”
The diplomatic community has reiterated its support for a peaceful, inclusive transition and called on South Sudanese leaders to renew their commitment to dialogue, transparency, and reconciliation.
The developments come as the UN Security Council recently extended the UNMISS mandate by nine days to allow further deliberation on the country’s deteriorating security environment.
Observers warn that unless swift, corrective steps are taken, South Sudan risks sliding back into conflict, potentially derailing the 2024 elections roadmap and squandering the fragile peace gains achieved over the past six years.
