During his visit to South Sudan on October 27-29, Norway's Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Endre Stiansen, met with a range of stakeholders, including representatives of the authorities, civil society, church leaders, the United Nations, and diplomatic partners. The discussions reflected Norway’s deep concern over the deteriorating situation in South Sudan, as well as our commitment to its people.
Norway’s message was clear: we are witnessing a breakdown of the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS). It is the R-ARCSS that grants legitimacy and authority to the Transitional Government of National Unity pending elections. Yet, the agreed principles of power sharing are not being upheld, and one party is unable to participate fully. Most grave is the return to conflict across the country and its impact on South Sudan’s civilians.
Widespread fighting, aerial bombardments, and absence of dialogue are deeply concerning. South Sudan risks sliding back into the violence of 2013 and 2016 in the absence of genuine dialogue.
The Special Envoy also expressed serious concern about the use of public revenues – including the lack of transparency in the management of oil income and the absence of a harmonised exchange rate – conditions which enable misuse of public funds. The Transitional Government must prioritise funding for public services benefiting the whole country. As attested to in a recent UN report, diverting resources away from salaries and essential operations fuels corruption, conflict, and the exploitation of humanitarian aid.
It is time to turn the page.
As a long-standing partner of South Sudan’s people, Norway’s priority remains peace and development. We urge all South Sudanese leaders to reject violence as a political tool and to engage constructively with regional and international partners who are committed to supporting the country’s stability. Action to pull South Sudan out of this spiral is essential.
South Sudan still has a choice. The path to peace, stability, and development remains open, but it requires leadership, courage, and a genuine commitment to the people.
Norway stands ready to support all good-faith efforts toward peace.