South Sudan Violence Surges to Worst Levels Since 2018 Peace Deal
Juba, 2 April 2026
South Sudan faces its most severe security crisis since signing the peace agreement in 2018, with violence claiming over 160 civilian lives and displacing 280,000 people since December. The deteriorating situation threatens to derail the fragile peace process as UN peacekeepers face direct attacks and entire towns fall under military control. With elections planned for December 2026, the escalating conflict raises serious questions about the country’s ability to hold credible polls and implement democratic governance whilst civilians bear the brunt of renewed hostilities.
Deadly Escalation Marks New Phase of Conflict
The violence reached a devastating crescendo on 1 March 2026, when an attack on the county headquarters in Abiemnom county, Ruweng Administrative Area, resulted in 169 deaths, including 90 civilians [1]. This attack followed escalating tensions that had been building since 27 February, marking a significant deterioration in the security environment across South Sudan [1]. The hostilities primarily involve the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), alongside other armed groups [1]. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reported on 10 March that over 160 civilians had been killed and more than 280,000 people displaced since late December 2025 [1].
UN Peacekeepers Under Direct Threat
The deteriorating security situation has directly targeted international peacekeeping efforts, with UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) personnel facing unprecedented attacks. On 2 March 2026, a UNMISS peacekeeping convoy was ambushed whilst travelling from Akobo in Jonglei State to Pibor in Greater Pibor Administrative Area [1]. The situation further escalated on 6 March when the SSPDF issued a 72-hour ultimatum ordering civilians, UNMISS personnel, UN agencies, and NGOs to evacuate Akobo [1]. Clashes subsequently erupted, and the SSPDF took control of the town, effectively expelling the international presence [1]. The United States expressed strong concern on 10 February, stating that violence across the country was directly obstructing UNMISS’ ability to protect civilians [1].
Peace Agreement Under Severe Strain
The current violence represents the highest levels of insecurity witnessed since the signing of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in 2018 [1]. The political landscape remains volatile due to President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s unilateral actions, including dismissals of officials that violate the peace agreement [1]. On 19 February 2026, the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned that the continued “erosion [of the revitalised agreement] has heightened atrocity risks and undermined legal and institutional safeguards” [1]. Adding to the political uncertainty, the trial of First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-defendants remains ongoing [1]. Special Representative Pramila Patten expressed grave concern on 16 March about the stalled implementation of protection measures to prevent conflict-related sexual violence [1].
Critical Decisions Ahead for International Community
The Security Council faces crucial decisions regarding South Sudan’s future as UNMISS’ mandate expires on 30 April 2026 [1]. Council members are expected to receive the Secretary-General’s 90-day report on South Sudan by 13 April, followed by consultations and a briefing on the deteriorating situation [1]. The Council must vote on renewing UNMISS’ mandate before the month’s end, a decision that will significantly impact the international community’s ability to protect civilians and support peace implementation [1]. With elections planned for December 2026 - having already been postponed multiple times - the Secretary-General may be requested to report by October on an assessment of critical components necessary for holding credible polls [1]. However, the current security environment raises serious questions about the feasibility of conducting free and fair elections whilst violence continues to escalate across the country [1].