A group of Western embassies—Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States—called on South Sudan’s leaders to return to political dialogue and end ongoing violence, warning that the transitional authorities risk worsening an already severe humanitarian situation.
In a joint statement issued Wednesday, the diplomats expressed deep concern over recent military operations in Akobo, which they said forced humanitarian organizations and civilians to flee. They urged authorities to use national resources to support affected communities and ensure the protection of civilians, while also allowing unhindered humanitarian access.
The embassies also cautioned that actions by the transitional government had contributed to the current crisis, stressing that restrictions on humanitarian operations, including limits on aid-related flights, were aggravating the situation. They reiterated that international assistance should not replace accountable governance and urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens.
The statement follows a recent appeal by the United States for renewed dialogue under the revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, amid stalled political engagement and the detention of key opposition figure Riek Machar.
Observers warn that the country remains unprepared for upcoming elections due to political divisions, insecurity and funding challenges, despite the 2018 peace deal that ended years of conflict but left underlying tensions unresolved.
