The European Union has expressed deep concern over a “long list of violations” of the ceasefire and the 2018 peace agreement in South Sudan, warning that ongoing conflicts are undermining peace and the electoral process.
In a statement delivered at the fourth extraordinary meeting of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) Board in Juba on Tuesday, the EU called for an immediate end to the violence.
“Violence cannot be a tool to achieve political objectives. It only breeds more violence,” said Lothar Jaschke, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to South Sudan.
The statement welcomed the resumption of the CTSAMVM Board meetings after a several-month hiatus, calling it an “important step” to get the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement back on track.
Security Arrangements Lagging
Jaschke highlighted that the implementation of interim security arrangements – a key part of the peace deal – remains “essential.” He urged progress on the unification, training, and redeployment of forces, describing it as “the only way ahead” to stop the “unfortunate fragmentation of forces and lack of clear command structures.”
The EU official also raised an alarm over “the increase of access denial for CTSAMVM monitors,” whose mandate is described as “crucial” for the peace process. His statement emphasised the need for the government to fully cooperate with the monitoring mechanism.
Election Concerns
With general elections scheduled for December 2026, the EU official stated that security is “crucially important” for the poll to be held. While supporting the elections as “the best way forward for South Sudan,” the bloc voiced concern about “the lack of preparation and the lack of political decisions.”
“The National Electoral Commission cannot do it alone,” Jaschke said, “it needs political guidance, e.g. on the electoral calendar.”
He also noted the lack of a promised government plan for implementing the peace agreement, originally due in September 2024. The EU envoy said a “clear, coherent and overarching action plan” with a feasible budget and timeline remains essential.
The EU’s comments align with previous calls from international partners, including the African Union Commission and the regional body IGAD, for a ceasefire and a return to the peace process.
Fighting between government forces and opposition fighters has escalated in different parts of South Sudan since the start of the year.