AU Mediators Tackle South Sudan Peace Crisis April 2025
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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African Union Mediators Arrive Amid South Sudan Peace Deal Fears
The situation in South Sudan has taken a worrying turn, prompting intervention from the African Union (AU). Mediators from the AU have arrived in the country, hoping to steer things back towards peace (Africanews). Their main goal is to get the different factions talking again. This dialogue is crucial to saving the Revitalized Peace Agreement, known as R-ARCSS, which has been shaky lately.
Escalating political disagreements and military actions have put the R-ARCSS under serious strain. The AU’s presence signals a high-level continental effort to prevent a complete collapse of the agreement. Furthermore, this intervention isn’t happening in isolation; it supports wider regional pushes by groups like IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) and the United Nations (Daily Maverick). All these bodies are trying to get South Sudan’s leaders to stick to the peace deal commitments, especially as violations seem to be increasing.
Riek Machar Arrest Shakes Fragile Peace Agreement
A major event rocking the nation is the arrest of Riek Machar. As First Vice President and a key opposition figure, his detention sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Authorities charged Machar with inciting rebellion, a serious accusation that immediately raised tensions (OHCHR; Foreign Policy). Consequently, his party, the SPLM-IO, quickly declared that the peace agreement itself was now under threat.
This political turmoil coincided with alarming violence on the ground. Clashes erupted, particularly in Upper Nile State, adding to the instability. A UN helicopter was even attacked on March 7th, highlighting the dangers (Security Council Report). This violence isn’t just political; it has taken on ethnic dimensions, forcing huge numbers of people from their homes and deepening divisions (Foreign Policy). The arrest and the subsequent fighting paint a grim picture for the future of the R-ARCSS.
Human Cost of Recent South Sudan Violence (April 2025)
Uganda Military Intervention Adds Complexity
The situation grew even more complex with the arrival of foreign military forces. Uganda deployed battle tanks and special forces units to Juba, South Sudan’s capital. Reports indicate this deployment happened at the request of the South Sudanese government itself (OHCHR). However, this move immediately raised eyebrows and concerns internationally.
One major concern involves the UN arms embargo currently in place for South Sudan. Questions arose about whether Uganda’s intervention violates this embargo (OHCHR). Furthermore, the presence of Ugandan troops fuels worries about the conflict becoming regionalized, potentially drawing neighboring countries deeper into South Sudan’s internal struggles (Foreign Policy). This intervention adds another layer of difficulty for peace efforts.
UNMISS Mandate Renewal Amid Security Worries
Against this backdrop of escalating tensions, the United Nations Security Council faces a critical deadline. The mandate for the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is set to expire on April 30th. Therefore, the Council is working to renew the mandate before time runs out (Security Council Report). Discussions likely focus on how UNMISS should adapt its role given the worsening security situation on the ground.
A persistent problem complicating the peace process is the slow implementation of key benchmarks outlined in the R-ARCSS. Progress on critical steps, like creating a unified national army and registering voters for planned elections, remains significantly delayed. Additionally, Security Council members appear divided on the best approach, with some favoring increased pressure on the parties and others suggesting more economic support might help (Security Council Report). This division could impact how effectively the international community supports peace.
Devastating Humanitarian Impact on Civilians
Ultimately, the political and military struggles are inflicting a terrible toll on ordinary people. Recent airstrikes in Nasir reportedly killed at least 21 civilians, tragically including children. Disturbing reports also emerged suggesting that some munitions used in the attacks contained ethyl acetate, causing chemical burns among victims (Foreign Policy). These horrific incidents highlight the brutality faced by communities caught in the conflict.
The violence has also triggered mass displacement. As mentioned earlier, clashes in Upper Nile State alone have forced over 60,000 people to flee their homes (OHCHR; Foreign Policy). This displacement adds immense pressure to an already severe humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, where millions already rely on aid for survival. The ongoing instability makes delivering that aid even more challenging and dangerous.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
