The European Union welcomes the agreement, on 3 April 2022, between South Sudan’s President Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, and First Vice President Dr Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon.

The EU urges the parties to genuinely and swiftly implement the agreed steps, to contribute to a de-escalation of the tensions in the country, especially in the Regional States of Unity and Upper Nile, but also in Juba.

The permanent ceasefire and the transitional security arrangements are key for the long-awaited implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan, 11 months from the expiration of an already extended transition period.

The EU calls upon the leaders of South Sudan to work together in the letter and in the spirit of the revitalised peace agreement, to accelerate its implementation.

The EU also calls to urgently create the conditions necessary for the organization of free, fair and peaceful elections, in particular by moving forward on the constitution-making process, passing the relevant legislation and setting up the needed institutions, as well as opening the political space and putting in place a conducive security environment.

At a moment where South Sudan is facing its worst humanitarian crisis since its independence, the perpetuation of violence, which is leading to a high number of fatalities, forced displacements, sexual and gender-based violence, abduction of children, killing of humanitarian workers and other human rights abuses, must also be urgently addressed by the South Sudanese leadership.