Shops and restaurants were shuttered in January in most of the capital city, Juba
The IGAD Ambassadors based in Juba, South Sudan, have expressed concern regarding the ongoing armed violence in the Upper Nile State.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the envoys said they are alarmed by the recent reports of escalating tensions and armed clashes in Nasir County.
They said the clashes threaten to undermine the hard-won gains achieved in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
This, they added, exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.
“We call upon all the Parties and their affiliate groups to immediately cease hostilities and exercise maximum restraint,” the statement read.
They emphasized the importance of upholding the Permanent Ceasefire and adhering to the provisions of the R-ARCSS.
“We welcome the recent meeting of the presidency and its outcomes and further encourage continuous dialogue and consultations within the framework of the R-ARCSS.”
The envoys committed to continue supporting the parties to the R-ARCSS and the people of South Sudan during the extended Transitional Period.
The deteriorating situation comes as South Sudan continues its extended transitional period, during which the government is expected to implement key provisions of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
However, delays in security sector reforms and unification of forces have fuelled uncertainty, with regional and international stakeholders now pressing for tangible action.
