The Quartet is calling on the country’s leaders to immediately cease hostilities and return to inclusive dialogue to advance the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Escalating air and ground attacks have already resulted in significant loss of life, destruction of property, and mass displacement of civilians. In addition, the rise in ethnically charged rhetoric and hate speech, along with targeted attacks on humanitarian facilities, has alarmed peace partners and undermined public trust in the peace process.
“These developments threaten to undo the commitments made by South Sudanese leaders to prevent a return to war,” the Quartet warned in a joint statement.
Despite the bleak conditions, the Quartet commended the recent high-level visit by the African Union and IGAD to South Sudan—a move they described as vital regional support aimed at stabilizing the country. The visit, facilitated by South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is seen as a critical opportunity to realign national priorities toward peace.
The Quartet also called on the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to swiftly investigate and report on recent incidents of violence. Accountability, they stressed, is key to rebuilding public confidence and preventing future atrocities.
Reaffirming that there is no military solution to South Sudan’s conflict, the Quartet urged the country’s leadership to recommit to a transparent and inclusive political process. This includes the release of the First Vice President and detained SPLM/A-IO officials, and the creation of a safe political environment for the functioning of peace institutions outlined in the R-ARCSS.
Only through tangible actions and the fulfillment of outstanding benchmarks can South Sudan move toward free, fair, and credible elections at the conclusion of the transitional period.
In conclusion, the Quartet expressed optimism that South Sudanese leaders will once again embrace the unity that defined their struggle for independence and commit to a peaceful, inclusive transition for the benefit of all citizens.
