UN, African Union, and IGAD Demand Immediate Release of Riek Machar and Opposition Leaders in South Sudan
Juba – June 12, 2025 Juba Global News Network In a joint statement issued today, the United Nations, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on
Juba – June 12, 2025
Juba Global News Network
In a joint statement issued today, the United Nations, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) warned of the escalating political and security crisis in South Sudan, demanding the immediate release of the First Vice President of the country, Dr. Riek Machar, and a number of opposition leaders. They described this step as “critical” to restarting the stalled political process.
The statement included a clear warning about the continuation of military clashes, attacks on civilians and infrastructure, as well as the rise in hate speech, which threatens to undermine the fragile 2018 peace agreement. The four entities affirmed that “a military solution is not viable,” calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the acceleration of the implementation of the agreement’s provisions, including neutral investigations into recent violence violations.
The statement also emphasized that the release of political detainees is “a fundamental condition for restoring trust between the parties” and paving the way for fair elections by the end of the transitional period. It noted that the political deadlock is exacerbating humanitarian suffering and food insecurity.
This statement comes amid rising tensions in South Sudan, which has witnessed escalating violence between government forces and armed groups in various areas of Upper Nile and Warrap states over recent months, despite regional and international efforts to contain the crisis. The Tripartite Mechanism (UN, AU, and IGAD) had previously played a pivotal role in mediation.
The statement concluded by calling for “united regional and international efforts” to support comprehensive dialogue, stressing that the stability of South Sudan is “key to the security of the entire Horn of Africa.”