Official in charge of the United Nations Secretary-General for South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho. (AMISOM Photo / Mukhtar Nuur)

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called on South Sudanese leaders to immediately cease hostilities, de-escalate tensions, and advance reconciliation through inclusive dialogue in line with the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

In a statement released in January 2026, UNMISS said it is deeply concerned by reports of escalating military confrontations between forces aligned with the main parties to the peace agreement in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria states.

The mission noted that the renewed violence, including aerial bombardments of civilian areas, follows attempts to diverge from the peace framework established under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.

UNMISS quoted its Officer-in-Charge, Kiki Gbeho, who urged leaders to honor their commitments to peace.

“South Sudan’s leaders reiterated their commitment to peace and inclusive dialogue during this week’s visit by the African Union ad-hoc high-level committee. UNMISS urges them to make true on that commitment by immediately ceasing hostilities, de-escalating tensions, and advancing reconciliation and peace through inclusive dialogue under the framework of the peace agreement,” Gbeho said.

She added that strong leadership and decisive, consensus-based action are urgently needed to prevent the current crisis from worsening and to ensure that lasting peace and prosperity are delivered to the people of South Sudan.