African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed deep concern over rising tensions and violent clashes in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, including a deadly attack on a UN helicopter. The violence has also spread to Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, posing a serious threat to the fragile peace process.
In a statement, Faki strongly condemned the escalation and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint. He called on South Sudanese authorities to hold those responsible accountable and implement urgent measures to protect civilians. He also stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and full adherence to ceasefire agreements.
The AU Commission is in consultations with South Sudanese authorities, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and other stakeholders to explore joint measures to de-escalate the situation.
Reaffirming the AU’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s peace process, Faki called for the full implementation of the peace agreement, emphasizing that the country’s future stability and unity depend on its success.
