UN says no real change in South Sudan civil war despite 2018 peace deal

The United Nations Mission on Human Rights in South Sudan says there has been “no real change” in the country’s ongoing civil war despite the 2018 peace agreement aimed at ending the hostilities.

UNMISS announced the development in a statement on Thursday following the conclusion of a four-day visit to South Sudan by the commission, while calling for urgent action to protect the civilian population in the country.

“The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned that renewed violence, political tensions, shrinking civic space, entrenched corruption and persistent impunity continue to put the population and the planned transition to democracy at risk,” UNMISS said. “During the four-day visit, the Commission met a wide range of representatives from the Government, the political and security sectors, civil society and other stakeholders. They called for the authorities to take urgent steps to protect civilians, allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need and create conditions for inclusive political dialogue ahead of elections scheduled for December.”

South Sudan has been embroiled in civil war since 2013, two years after gaining independence from Sudan due to a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar.

UNMISS noted that “fighting continues despite a 2018 peace agreement” and that there has been “no real change” after UNMISS chair Yasmin Sooka travelled across South Sudan to meet survivors of the conflict in the northern part of the country and hear their experiences.

“The commission chair, Yasmin Sooka, travelled to Jonglei state and met survivors of recent fighting in the north there. She heard harrowing accounts of sexual violence, killings, displacement and separation from family members. Some survivors also described being left without access to medical, psychosocial or other essential support, including those facing serious and urgent health needs,” the commission stated.

Meanwhile, the commission highlighted corruption and impunity as some of the obstacles to achieving peace and security in South Sudan, saying, “Lack of progress since its 2025 report outlined how entrenched corruption as well as diversion and misallocation of public resources impact human rights.”