[PRESS RELEASE] – Foreign Missions Issue Joint Statement on Escalating Violence in South Sudan

(JUBA) – The Embassies of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and Norway in Juba have released a joint statement expressing serious concern over the rising levels of violence in several areas of South Sudan.

The statement, issued on 6 August 2025, condemns the ongoing hostilities as a clear violation of both the ceasefire and the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The embassies warned that the continued violence threatens the shared hopes of the South Sudanese people for lasting peace and sustainable development.

The seven diplomatic missions strongly condemned repeated attacks on civilians, humanitarian personnel, and medical facilities. These attacks, which violate international humanitarian law, are deepening the suffering of communities and placing further strain on critical aid operations. In addition, the embassies voiced serious concern over increasing incidents of inter-communal violence in multiple states, as well as credible reports of growing restrictions on humanitarian access.

“We call on all of South Sudan’s leaders to work together urgently to stop the violence,” the joint statement said.

The missions stressed the need for all actors to respect the existing peace agreements and create conditions for peace and reconciliation.

The statement also called for the release of all political detainees, including the First Vice-President, in order to allow genuine political dialogue to proceed.

According to the signatories, dialogue remains the only viable path toward achieving long-term peace, national unity, and prosperity for the people of South Sudan.