A statement noted that IGAD, as the guarantor of the Revitalized Agreement (R-ARCSS), remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting dialogue, de-escalating tensions, and securing a peaceful future for the people of South Sudan.

Outgoing African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed his deep concern over the escalation of tensions and clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile state of that African country.

A press release on march 8, quotes that these events included a lethal attack on a United Nations helicopter, and violence in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el-Ghazal, all of which threaten the peace process.

Mahamat strongly condemned this violent escalation and called on all parties to act with maximum restraint. He urged the authorities to hold the perpetrators fully accountable for their actions and take swift steps to protect citizens.

He also called for an immediate end to hostilities, respect for ceasefire deals and all parties concerned to engage urgently in a national dialogue.

After several years of civil war in South Sudan, the warring political leaders signed a peace agreement in 2018, and agreed in August 2022 to extend the transitional period, envisioning a February 2025 conclusion, with elections scheduled for December this year after various delays.

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