19/12/2025
Troika Capitals Warn South Sudan Leaders: “Enough Is Enough” as Conflict and Misgovernance Persist
Juba / Washington–London–Oslo
The Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway—collectively known as the Troika—have issued a strong joint statement expressing deep concern over the worsening political, economic, and security situation in South Sudan, more than seven years after the signing of the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
In the statement, the Troika recalled that the R-ARCSS was signed with the hope of ending years of brutal conflict and violence against civilians following South Sudan’s independence. However, they said that the optimism which followed the agreement has not been fulfilled.
According to the Troika, President Salva Kiir was expected to lead a genuine Transitional Government of National Unity. Instead, they say the government has failed to respect the principles of power-sharing, made little meaningful progress in implementing the peace agreement, and continues to misuse public resources. As a result, civil servants remain unpaid while international donors shoulder a greater burden in providing basic services such as health, education, and humanitarian assistance.
The statement further noted that although South Sudan’s oil revenues once placed the country in the middle-income category at independence, it has now become the world’s poorest country and is widely regarded as one of the most corrupt. The Troika criticized continued unilateral reshuffles within government, warning that such actions are destabilizing and distract from governing and preparing the country for elections.
Most alarming, the Troika warned of a return to widespread conflict across the country. They cautioned that renewed large-scale violence—similar to that seen in 2013 and 2016—would be tragic for the people of South Sudan and would further destabilize the region, especially at a time when neighboring Sudan is already in crisis.
For the sake of the South Sudanese people and regional stability, the Troika called on South Sudan’s leaders to urgently change course. They urged all parties, particularly the SPLM-IG and SPLM-IO, to immediately cease armed attacks, respect the nationwide ceasefire, and return to sustained, high-level political dialogue.
The Troika also demanded that the transitional government:
• End aerial attacks against civilians
• Release political prisoners
• Pay public sector employees using public revenues
• Properly fund health, education, and other essential public services
In addition, the statement condemned interference by government officials in humanitarian operations and international organizations. It specifically cited obstruction of UN peacekeepers’ movements, both within the country and at points of departure, calling for such actions to stop immediately.
The Troika concluded by urging all international partners—especially South Sudan’s neighbors—to deliver a united and firm message to Juba. They stressed that the time for excuses is over, and that South Sudan’s leaders must end the conflict and rebuild trust with their citizens and the international community.
The statement emphasized that if South Sudan’s leadership takes concrete steps toward peace, accountability, and good governance, the country can regain international support, attract investment, and earn global respect.
