JUBA — South Sudan President Salva Kiir issued a resolute call for national unity on Monday, vowing to uphold the nation’s fragile peace agreement even as key political alliances begin to fray.
Speaking from the capital of Juba, Kiir addressed a press conference aimed at calming a nervous public. He insisted that while the “Revitalized Peace Agreement”—the 2018 deal that paused years of bloody civil war—is facing significant “bumps on the road,” his administration remains dedicated to its success.
“We all consider this agreement as the path to our stability,” Kiir told reporters. “I come before you today to affirm my government’s commitment to peace. There is no cause for alarm.”
A Fragile Coalition Under Pressure
The President’s reassurances come at a precarious moment. Just days ago, the main opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), announced its withdrawal from several critical security mechanisms.
First Vice President Riek Machar, who leads the opposition, cited “unprovoked” attacks on his forces as the primary reason for the pullout. Machar’s party further accused Kiir’s government of stalling the peace process by failing to attend key security meetings, leaving the integration of armed forces in a state of limbo.
Despite these accusations, Kiir maintained that dialogue is the only way forward. “Full implementation cannot be done without sustainable dialogue,” he noted, urging all parties to “honestly confront” the challenges facing the young nation.
The Growing Humanitarian Stakes
The political gridlock in Juba is mirrored by a deteriorating security situation across the country. International observers and aid agencies have recently signaled an uptick in violence that threatens to reverse the gains made since 2018.
Key Developments Impacting the Region:
- Surging Violence: Recent clashes have left civilians at extreme risk and UN peacekeepers stretched to their limits.
- Diplomatic Fatigue: Despite significant diplomatic efforts by the African Union throughout 2025, a permanent solution remains elusive.
- Aid Crisis: The UN has warned that millions of South Sudanese who depend on international aid are now at risk as instability hampers delivery.
While President Kiir frames the current friction as “minor bumps,” the withdrawal of Machar’s forces from security oversight suggests a deepening rift. For a population weary of conflict, the question remains whether rhetoric in Juba can translate into safety in the provinces.
