The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Dr. Nkosozana Dlamimi-Zuma, has expressed deep concern over the deterioration of the security situation in the Republic of South Sudan in recent weeks, and the impact on the implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan of 2015.

The Chairperson is alarmed by the reports received regarding the rising violations of the ceasefire and heightened hostilities in the Greater Upper Nile and Greater Equatoria regions, which has caused more refugees to flee into neighboring states, as well as the increase in internally displaced persons in the country. The recent fighting has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation.

The Chairperson of the Commission calls on the various parties to the Peace Agreement to restrain from further hostile activities, and uphold the ceasefire to the letter and spirit, in the context of the various agreements they have all signed, and in the framework of the joint African Union (AU), Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), United Nations (UN), Press Statement of 29 January 2017 in Addis Ababa.

The Chairperson wishes to underscore that violence is not the solution to the challenges facing the Government and people of South Sudan. In this regard and in line with the decision of the AU, UN and IGAD of 29 January 2017, the AU High Representative for South Sudan, former President Alpha Omar Konare, will, shortly begin consultations in South Sudan and in the region to help address these growing challenges.