(JUBA) – The governments of Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States have issued a joint statement expressing serious concern over the worsening situation in South Sudan. The statement, released on December 18, 2025, highlights failures in governance, rising conflict and the misuse of public funds.
The countries said that seven years after the Revitalised Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed, South Sudan’s transitional government has not delivered on its promises. The agreement was meant to create a national unity government and restore peace after years of violence against civilians.
The Troika statement criticised President Kiir and his government for violating power-sharing arrangements and failing to implement the agreement. Salaries for public servants remain unpaid, and international donors are spending more on basic services for South Sudanese citizens than the government itself. Once a middle-income country thanks to oil revenue, South Sudan is now described as the world’s poorest and most corrupt nation.
The statement also raised alarm over the return of widespread fighting across the country. International partners warned that renewed large scale violence would be devastating for both South Sudan’s citizens and neighbouring countries.
The Troika urged all parties, especially SPLM-IG and SPLM-IO, to immediately stop armed attacks, return to a nationwide ceasefire, and engage in leader level dialogue. They called on the transitional government to end aerial attacks against civilians, release political prisoners, use public funds to pay government employees, and properly finance health, education, and other essential services.
The joint statement also criticised government interference with humanitarian organisations and UN peacekeepers. Officials must allow these agencies to operate freely to deliver assistance to citizens.
The statement concluded with a call for unity among South Sudan’s international partners, stressing that the country’s leaders must focus on rebuilding trust with citizens and the international community. Concrete actions, the partners said, would attract global support, investment, and respect.
Key Issues Highlighted by Troika
| Issue | Observations | Suggested Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Governance | Power-sharing agreements violated | Honour R-ARCSS terms and strengthen government accountability |
| Public Services | Salaries unpaid, donors covering basic services | Fund health, education, and civil service salaries |
| Security | Widespread conflict, aerial attacks on civilians | Cease armed attacks, restore nationwide ceasefire |
| Humanitarian Access | Interference with aid and UN movement | Allow free operation of humanitarian agencies |
| Regional Impact | Instability affecting neighbours | Focus on peace and regional stability |
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