The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) has issued its sternest warning yet to the leaders of South Sudan, calling for immediate de-escalation as the nation slides dangerously close to a return to full-scale civil war. In a tense emergency session held in Addis Ababa, the continental body declared the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS) to be in "critical condition," with the deadline for the December 2026 elections looming over a fractured landscape.

The statement, delivered by AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, did not mince words. It highlighted the "systematic violation" of ceasefire protocols and the alarming rise in inter-communal violence in Jonglei and Upper Nile states. The AU's frustration is palpable; despite billions of dollars in aid and years of diplomacy, the political will in Juba appears to be evaporating.

The Jonglei Flashpoint

The immediate trigger for the AU's intervention is the deteriorating situation in Jonglei, where heavily armed militias have mobilized in recent weeks. Reports indicate that over 100,000 civilians have been displaced since late December 2025, fleeing a scorched-earth campaign that bears the hallmarks of organized ethnic cleansing rather than random cattle rustling.

• The Election Dilemma: The clock is ticking towards the scheduled December 2026 general elections—the first since independence. However, the AU notes that the prerequisites for a free and fair vote (a permanent constitution, a unified army, and a census) are nowhere near complete. Proceeding with a vote in this climate, analysts warn, could be the spark that ignites the powder keg.
• Humanitarian Catastrophe: The violence is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The UN estimates that two-thirds of the South Sudanese population will require food aid this year. The conflict in neighboring Sudan has cut off vital supply routes, leaving the economy in freefall and the currency worthless.

A Call for Restraint

"The leaders of South Sudan must choose between their personal ambitions and the survival of their nation," the AU statement read. The Council has threatened "punitive measures" against spoilers—diplomatic code for sanctions—but the effectiveness of such threats remains to be seen.

For the weary citizens of Juba, Bor, and Malakal, the AU's statement is a familiar echo. They have heard the calls for peace before, usually followed by the sound of gunfire. As 2026 begins, the world's youngest nation is fighting for its life, and the African Union is signaling that its patience is finally running out.