The IGAD, Troika, and EU partners of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) have condemned calls by armed opposition groups for a renewal of armed conflict in South Sudan.

In a joint statement seen by Radio Tamazuj today, the group said that fighting will not solve South Sudan’s pressing political and economic challenges, but rather it will only increase the suffering of the people of South Sudan, worsen a grave humanitarian crisis, and further inflame ethnic tensions.

The peace brokers accused both the government and armed opposition groups of being responsible for renewed hostilities since July’s clashes in Juba. “We are deeply concerned by heavy fighting around the country in recent weeks, including near Yei, Wau, Bentiu, and Nassir,” reads part of the joint statement.

The statement called on the government and armed opposition groups to immediately adhere to the permanent ceasefire in line with last August’s peace agreement, while urging the warring parties to resolve their differences through a political process rather than through armed conflict.

 The group emphasized the need for an inclusive political process and full implementation of the reforms outlined in the peace agreement in South Sudan.