The African Union (AU) has voiced deep concern over the reported detention of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions. The AU emphasized the need to uphold the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), calling it the foundation for peace, stability, and reconciliation in the country.

AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged all parties to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue. “The well-being of the South Sudanese people must remain the foremost priority, and all efforts must be directed towards ensuring an environment conducive to lasting peace and development,” the AU stressed.

Tensions between President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Dr. Riek Machar, have reached a critical point, threatening South Sudan’s fragile peace. The country had enjoyed relative stability under the 2018 peace agreement, which led to the formation of a unity government in 2020. However, lingering mistrust and political maneuvering have reignited divisions.

President Kiir, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), has been in power since South Sudan gained independence in 2011. He appointed Machar, the former rebel leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), as first vice president in an effort to maintain national unity. But recent government reshuffles have fueled tensions, with Kiir dismissing key Machar loyalists, including the governor of Upper Nile state.

The situation has worsened with escalating violence in northern South Sudan between government forces and the White Army, a militia allegedly allied with Machar. Earlier this month, the White Army attacked a military camp in Upper Nile’s Nasir district, near the Ethiopian and Sudanese borders.

Most White Army fighters belong to Machar’s Nuer ethnic group, while Kiir is from the Dinka community. Though Machar’s party denies links to the group, the violence has heightened ethnic divisions in an already unstable country.

Political analyst James Okuk, from the Center for Strategic and Political Studies in Juba, attributes the crisis to deep-rooted political, ethnic, and socio-economic rifts.

“The struggle for power and resources between the dominant ethnic groups has fueled long-standing tensions. These are exacerbated by historical grievances and competition for control of the young nation.”
James Okuk

AU to Support Peace Efforts and Calls for Dialogue

The African Union remains committed to supporting peace efforts in South Sudan. “

“In this regard, the AU remains ready to work closely with the Government of South Sudan, regional and international partners, including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to foster stability and inclusive governance in the country.”
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf

Mahamoud Ali Youssouf — H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf

In response to the crisis, AU Chairperson Youssouf announced plans to deploy the AU Panel of the Wise to Juba to help mediate tensions and prevent further escalation.

President Kiir has sought military backing from Uganda, requesting the deployment of a special unit to Juba. The move has drawn criticism from opposition groups, including Machar’s SPLM-IO, which announced a partial withdrawal from security arrangements outlined in the 2018 peace deal.

Meanwhile, corruption, weak governance, and institutional failures have further deepened South Sudan’s cycle of violence. International observers warn that without urgent intervention, the country risks slipping back into full-scale conflict.

“The AU urges all stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve outstanding issues through peaceful and legal means.”
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf

As such, the growing instability in South Sudan demands urgent diplomatic efforts, restraint from all parties, and sustained international support to prevent a return to widespread violence and ensure lasting peace in the nation.