A section of South Sudanese women on Monday voiced concerns over the worsening situation in the country and warned of the collapse of the 2018 peace agreement and the Tumaini Initiative.
Speaking at a press conference in Juba on behalf of the country’s women, Grace John Kenyi, a peace activist and human rights defender, said they are deeply worried and strongly condemn the escalating violence in the country especially the recent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, which erupted on 14 February 2025.
The women sent condolences to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for the loss of their crew member, to all the families mourning their loved ones lost in the conflict, and called for restraint.
“We are profoundly alarmed by the growing threats to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the Tumaini Initiative, both are now at serious risk of collapsing amidst rising political instability and insecurity. These troubling developments are reigniting fears of a return to full-scale war” John said. “The lives lost are not mere statistics, they are brothers, sisters, children, and the future leaders of our nation. What will become of South Sudan if the future of this young generation is not protected?”
“We, therefore, stand united with all women and urge all stakeholders to take immediate and decisive action to end both the current conflict and address the worsening economic crisis, which continues to disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members in this country,” she added.
The activists urge all citizens to denounce the abuse of social media which is being used to spread hate speech, incite propaganda, and disseminate misinformation, and disinformation, saying these actions only serve to escalate tensions and deepen divisions within our communities.
The women commended the government for its efforts to maintain peace and security, in the face of the ongoing conflict and also commend the citizens who continue to uphold the values of humanity and choose peace as a way forward.
“We urge all signatories of the R-ARCSS to de-escalate tensions through dialogue as the primary means of conflict resolution and to expedite the advancement and unification and deployment of all forces required to ensure peace and security across the country,” John appealed. “We urge the international community to support efforts to conduct an independent investigation into the violence and bring to account those responsible for these atrocities.”
“We appeal to the ministries of parliamentary affairs, cabinet affairs, gender, child and social welfare, peacebuilding, and justice and constitutional affairs to collectively and urgently respond to the ongoing conflict by prioritizing dialogue, enforcing the rule of law, ensuring the protection of vulnerable citizens, and fast-tracking the implementation of peace agreements to restore stability, security, and justice to all citizens,” she stated.
The activist also urged the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement, Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM, Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, the African Union (AU), and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to intensify efforts in promoting peace and security in South Sudan by strictly adhering to ceasefire agreements, holding all parties accountable for breaches, and working together to bring the current conflict to an end, while prioritizing the protection of civilians and long-term regional stability.
The women also called on the diplomatic missions in South Sudan to use their influence for peace in South Sudan, encourage accountability and human rights, provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict, and collaborate with international partners to ensure lasting peace and stability through political and economic pressure on all the parties to the crisis.
To the White Army, a group of armed Nuer youth and its leadership, the women appealed that they denounce violence, ceasefire, or conflict, and accept peaceful dialogue with the government and community leaders.
For her part, Lilian Sukeji Micheal, a woman activist, said they will engage all women in high positions in the government in their pursuit or peace.
“We are going to distribute the statement from office to office, especially to women political figures at the high level to involve them from today,” she said.