FILE PHOTO: Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at United Nations in New York - Courtesy

The United States says ongoing conflict in South Sudan continues to deny citizens the stability and peace they were promised when the country gained independence.

In a press released dated August 7th, 2026, New York-based US Ambassador Jennifer Locetta said violence, rising civilian casualties, and displacement remain major challenges facing the country 15 years after independence.

“Fifteen years after the world watched the promising beginning of South Sudan, conflict continues to rob its people of long-promised stability,” Locetta said.

She cited UNMISS figures showing that between April and July 2026, at least 418 people were killed, 400 injured, 122 abducted, and more than 420,000 displaced due to ongoing armed violence.

Locetta also pointed to renewed fighting in Akobo between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition, saying the violence does not represent the future envisioned for South Sudan.

She accused the country’s leaders of using violence as a tool for political competition and urged them to prioritize peace and accountability.

The US envoy also criticized restrictions on UNMISS operations, saying the mission recorded 86 violations of the Status of Forces Agreement between April and July, with most involving government-imposed movement restrictions.

“UNMISS remains on the ground protecting civilians, but peacekeepers cannot manufacture political will where none exists,” she said.

Locetta called on South Sudan’s leaders to engage in genuine dialogue, end violence, and cooperate with UNMISS.

She said peaceful conditions must be created if elections are to proceed and urged leaders to use the country’s own public resources to support the process.

“The people of South Sudan need leaders who choose peace over power, and accountability over impunity,” she said.

The United States called on all signatories to the 2018 peace agreement to return to dialogue and take steps to prevent further violence.