South Sudan peace deal faces threats, UN force commander says

SOUTH Sudan is “perilously close” to returning to civil war, the outgoing force commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) warned as the country struggles to implement a fragile peace deal ahead of a delayed political transition.

AI Brief

UNMISS warns the 2018 peace agreement is under serious strain amid political tensions, local violence and widespread instability.
The mission continues disarmament and reintegration efforts while urging leaders to stop spreading misinformation that undermines civilian protection.
South Sudans military has ordered evacuations in parts of Jonglei ahead of operations targeting opposition forces.

Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian told reporters at the United Nations in New York on January 23 that the 2018 peace agreement, which ended five years of conflict, is under growing strain.

“We are in a situation where the peace agreement is in threat, the peace agreement is today challenged in more ways than one,” Subramanian said.

UNMISS has also supported disarmament and demobilisation efforts across the country, including the release of children formerly associated with armed groups.

South Sudan plunged into conflict in late 2013 when a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his then-deputy Riek Machar triggered fighting that killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Although large-scale clashes have eased, local violence, political tensions and severe flooding continue to undermine stability.

Subramanian urged South Sudan’s leaders and other stakeholders not to spread misinformation targeting the United Nations, saying it hampers the mission’s ability to support civilians.

He added that the mission’s political and civil affairs teams were working with parties to help advance the long‑stalled peace deal and build conditions for long‑term stability.

South Sudan's military has since ordered all civilians and personnel from the country's U.N. mission and other charities to evacuate three counties in Jonglei ahead of its operation against opposition forces.