United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has raised alarm over the escalating crisis in South Sudan, describing the situation as “dramatic and dire.” Addressing the media on Friday, Guterres expressed deep concern over the surge in violent clashes affecting civilians and the recent detention of First Vice President Riek Machar under house arrest on Wednesday night.
Guterres urged South Sudan’s political leaders to uphold their commitments to peace, emphasizing the importance of restoring stability ahead of the country’s scheduled elections in December 2026.
“Fully restore the government of national unity and vigorously implement the promises you made through your commitments to the peace agreement, which is the only legal framework for peaceful, free, and fair elections,” he stated.
The United Nations is coordinating closely with the African Union (AU) to address the crisis. “We fully support the AU’s initiative to deploy the Panel of the Wise, as well as the efforts of Special Envoy of President Ruto of Kenya, and we will work in close cooperation with the AU,” Guterres affirmed.
In a direct appeal to South Sudan’s leadership, Guterres called for an immediate end to hostilities. “Put down the weapons. Put all the people of South Sudan first,” he urged.
South Sudan’s current president, Salva Kiir, and detained Vice President Riek Machar are both key figures in the country’s independence from Sudan in 2011. However, their long-standing political rivalry has fueled tensions over the years, with analysts noting that Machar’s presidential aspirations have clashed with Kiir’s extended hold on power.
