South Sudan: Security Council Briefing Summary (16 April)
The UN Security Council will hold a briefing on South Sudan, focusing on the latest 90-day UNMISS report. Special Representative Nicholas Haysom and OCHA’s Edem Wosornu will provide updates on the worsening political and humanitarian situation. A civil society representative will also speak, followed by closed consultations.
Political Tensions
Tensions have risen due to President Salva Kiir’s reshuffling of key positions in February, replacing opposition members with loyalists. These moves violate the 2018 peace agreement, according to the opposition SPLM-IO.
Fighting broke out in March between government forces and Nuer youth (the White Army) in Upper Nile state. President Kiir blamed opposition leader Riek Machar, who was later placed under house arrest on 26 March. His detention drew criticism for threatening peace efforts.
Worsening Security
Violence has intensified in several states, including airstrikes in Upper Nile that reportedly killed 58 people. Human Rights Watch claims incendiary weapons were used.
Ugandan troops were confirmed in South Sudan, allegedly for training purposes. However, the opposition accuses them of taking part in attacks, violating a UN arms embargo—an allegation Uganda denies.
International Engagement
Efforts to reduce tensions include visits from the African Union’s Panel of the Wise and Uganda’s President Museveni. EU Special Representative Annette Weber also visited but couldn’t meet with Machar.
Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the violence, Machar’s detention, and the use of misinformation. He called for an end to hostilities and the restoration of the transitional government.
Humanitarian Crisis
From December to March, 6.1 million people faced acute food insecurity. Violence since March has killed over 180 people, injured 250+, and displaced 125,000. Four aid workers were killed, health services disrupted, and cholera continues to spread—causing nearly 1,000 deaths.
Refugee Pressure
Conflict in neighboring Sudan has pushed over 1.1 million people into South Sudan. Communities are overwhelmed, facing shortages in food, water, medicine, and housing.
Expected Council Response
Council members are likely to call for:
- Immediate ceasefire
- Respect for the peace agreement
- Protection of civilians and aid workers
- Accountability for human rights abuses
- Enforcement of the arms embargo
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