A deadly morning unfolded in South Sudan as clashes erupted between rebel forces and the national military, leaving at least 15 people dead, according to an official report. Military spokesman Lul Ruai Koang confirmed that the insurgent South Sudan People’s Movement (SSPM/A) carried out an attack in the oil-rich Union state on Thursday morning. The violence marks another grim chapter in a country wrestling with persistent instability, despite a formal peace framework that was meant to guide the transition to stability and reconciliation.
The unification government, established after a long process, sought to integrate rival factions into a single security apparatus. That effort traces back to a peace deal signed in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and former rebel leader, now first vice president, Riek Machar. Among the most pressing tasks were consolidating security forces and harmonizing command structures across the military and security services. In January 2020, the Presidency announced that participating parties in the peace agreement had agreed to extend the transition period. The extension was designed to accommodate the full implementation of the pact and to accelerate the steps outlined in the articles, with a view to expediting progress amid mounting international pressure and humanitarian concerns. The ongoing fragility of governance and security remains a major obstacle, with repeated delays and divergent commitments complicating the path toward durable peace.
From Washington’s perspective, the United States signaled a recalibration of its engagement with the South Sudan peace process, citing insufficient momentum from political leaders. Despite stepping back from direct involvement in steering negotiations, U.S. officials affirmed continued support for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and disclosed plans to maintain humanitarian and development assistance, including a substantial funding envelope intended to bolster relief efforts and stabilization initiatives. This approach underscores a broader strategy that prioritizes humanitarian access, civilian protection, and the capacity-building needs of South Sudanese institutions, while encouraging renewed political will and accountability among national leaders. The evolving stance reflects the international community’s attempt to balance pressure with practical support, aiming to create the conditions necessary for a sustainable peace and improved living conditions for civilians affected by the conflict.