I. Introduction
1. Your Excellencies, this extraordinary Summit, is convened under the auspices of IGAD unwavering commitment as the midwife to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and as the principal guarantor of the South Sudan peace process.
2. At the conclusion of this summit, we are certain that your wisdom as our regional leadership will prevail to chart a path forward and avert a return to conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, particularly with due consideration to the ongoing war in the neighbouring Republic of Sudan.
3. At the outset, I take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to your Excellencies, who have been tirelessly engaging with South Sudanese authorities to advocate for de-escalation of tensions in Upper Nile State, starting with our chair H.E. Ismaïl Omar Guelleh who issued instructions to me in my capacity as IGAD Executive Secretary to immediately dispatch the Special Envoy for South Sudan to Juba to coordinate diplomatic efforts.
4. IGAD is also deeply grateful to H.E. Abiy Ahmed of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E William Ruto of Kenya and H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud of Somalia who in their own individual capacities have directly engaged with the leadership of South Sudan to calm the situation in Nasir. Your ongoing diplomatic efforts continue to strengthen the foundation for a sustainable and peaceful democratic transition in the region.
5. The IGAD Secretariat further expresses its profound gratitude to Your Excellency President Ruto for your steadfast commitment to advancing peace in South Sudan, particularly through your championing of the Tumaini Initiative which has been instrumental in fostering dialogue with non-signatories to the Agreement, a crucial step toward ensuring the 2018 peace accord becomes truly inclusive and enduring.
II. Situation Overview
6. Your Excellencies, the Republic of South Sudan emerged as the world’s newest nation in 2011 following decades of struggle and a protracted peace process that culminated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005. This historic achievement represented the fulfilment of long-held aspirations for self- determination and marked a new chapter of hope for millions of our South Sudanese brothers and sisters.
7. And despite facing significant challenges since independence, South Sudan has demonstrated remarkable resilience and achieved noteworthy progress under the steadfast leadership of H.E. the President Salva Kiir Mayardit in several areas, including the establishment of foundational governance institutions, access to education, development of critical infrastructure, and a rich cultural heritage that underpins its unique national identity.
8. The implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, though imperfect, has succeeded in reducing large-scale conflict for significant periods, allowing the country and communities to make long-term investments in development
9. These positive strides, achieved through the efforts and guidance of President Kiir, the leadership of South Sudan and the determination of the South Sudanese people with the support of regional and international partners, provide an essential foundation upon which further progress toward lasting peace and prosperity can be built.
10. However, since independence, South Sudan has navigated a precarious path between the restoration of peace and the persistence of instability, most notably in 2012 and more recently in 2016 when widespread conflict triggered the launch of internal peace processes.
11. The subsequent establishment of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) heralded a moment of optimism, yet the execution of the peace accord has encountered repeated challenges and impediments, culminating in the extension of the transitional period for a fourth time in February 2025.
12. The most recent crisis, which erupted in early March 2025 in Nasir, Upper Nile State, has seen armed confrontations between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the “White Army.” This latest series of clashes have put the permanent ceasefire enshrined in the agreement in jeopardy.
13. The latest outbreak of violence, compounded by the detention of prominent opposition figures and a widening political divide in the capital, Juba, has provoked grave concern across the region. IGAD, in concert with the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and other international partners, has undertaken urgent measures to urge restraint and foster dialogue, endeavouring to prevent a descent into widespread hostilities.
III. Key Developments
15. Excellencies, the security situation in South Sudan underwent a marked deterioration on 4th March 2025, when an estimated 6,000 White Army combatants overran an South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) encampment in Nasir, inflicting significant casualties and dispersing government forces.
16. This incident, occurring a mere day after the leadership of South Sudan exchanged mutual assurances of the absence of hostile intent, contributes to an erosion of trust within the leadership of South Sudan.
17. The situation escalated further on 7th March, when an operation by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to evacuate stranded South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) personnel resulted in a tragic loss of life, including the late General Majur Dak, several soldiers, and a UN crew member. This incident has been condemned by the UN as a potential war crime, prompting calls for a thorough investigation.
18. The unfortunate developments in Nasir serve as a critical indicator of the nation’s vulnerability to violence. Whereas Juba has maintained an outward semblance of calm, the underlying tension is unmistakable as evidenced by enhanced security measures.
19. Politically speaking, your Excellencies, the Nasir clashes are the latest episode in a series of incidents and cyclic violence that have been placing increased pressure on the 2018 peace agreement and pushing South Sudan ever closer to the brink of war.
20. It has been preceded by disagreements that have resulted in the detention of high- ranking opposition figures, dismissal of opposition-appointed officials, and further actions that are suggestive of past confrontations.
21. I regret to report your Excellencies that the mechanisms established to oversee security arrangements, such as the Joint Defence Board, have fallen into disuse, and mutual confidence within the Presidency as established by the agreement has been gravely undermined.
22. Moreover, progress on critical reforms, including drafting of a new constitution and preparations for elections, remains stalled, casting doubt on the practicality and chances of successfully realizing the objectives of the transitional roadmap within the stipulated timelines.
23. Our newest Member State of South Sudan finds itself at a defining moment in its history again. Should tensions escalate, the risk of a return to widespread hostilities looms large, with repercussions that would echo resoundingly across the region.
24. Your Excellencies, in light of the foregoing, the IGAD Secretariat recommends the following measures be taken immediately and in a collaborative manner in order to arrest and reverse the current trajectory.
25. First and foremost, all parties to the conflict must unequivocally and unconditionally cease hostilities and adhere strictly to the permanent ceasefire, with IGAD’s Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) reinforced to ensure compliance.
26. Secondly, an urgent dialogue between the leadership of South Sudan, facilitated by a Head of State from within the IGAD region, is essential to restore mutual confidence and culminate in a joint public declaration affirming their commitment to peace.
27. Third, the government of South Sudan is urged to forthwith release detained officials, unless credible evidence warrants legal proceedings conducted transparently and in accordance with due process, lift any undue restrictions, and restore standard security arrangements.
28. Our fourth recommendation is that in order to stabilize the security and political landscape, the Secretariat advises that the Joint Defence Board be promptly reconvened to address contentious deployments, such as those in Nasir, and oversee the safe withdrawal of forces, in coordination with UNMISS.
29. Fifth, an independent investigation into the Nasir clashes and the attack on the UN helicopter should be undertaken by CTSAMVM to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability for any violations.
30. As a sixth measure, the secretariat advocates for intensified efforts to promote reconciliation, including additional support to the Tumaini Initiative that is engaging non-signatories to the agreement and a comprehensive strategy for the inclusion of all communities and stakeholders to counter divisive narratives and rebuild public trust.
31. Finally, Your Excellencies, IGAD’s sustained diplomatic engagement, supported by the AU and UN, is vital to sustain the engagement between South Sudan’s leaders, with this Summit concluding in a resolute communiqué outlining commitments and expectations, including an urgent call for a definitive roadmap for the transition and elections by December 2026, with clear milestones for constitutional reform, electoral preparations, and institutional reconstitution.
VI. Conclusion
32. Your Excellencies, South Sudan is balanced precariously between the promise of peace and the peril of conflict. The 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), though severely tested, remains the most viable instrument for securing stability.
33. IGAD is resolute in its role as a steward of this process and nevertheless recognizes that the ultimate responsibility rests with the leadership of South Sudan to choose the path of concord over confrontation.
34. This gathereing represents a critical opportunity to reaffirm our collective resolve, steering South Sudan away from calamity and toward a future defined by peace, prosperity, and dignity for its people.
35. The region and the international community stand united in their support, awaiting a reciprocal commitment from the leadership South Sudan to fulfil the aspirations embodied in the peace accord.
36. On behalf of the entire IGAD Secretariat, I hereby reaffirm to our Chair and your Excellencies our unwavering commitment to fully implement all decisions, directives, and instructions issued by you, our Heads of State and Government, at this Extraordinary Summit.
Excellencies, I Thank You
