South Sudan’s Ongoing Crisis: Women in Peacebuilding Efforts

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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UNMISS Bolsters Civilian Protection in Tambura

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is taking significant steps to enhance civilian protection and foster peace in the Tambura region. A new temporary operating base is being established there (passblue.com). This strategic move allows UNMISS to increase its presence and engagement on the ground. It will also facilitate peace mediation and processes, which are crucial for stability.

This decision comes in response to a troubling escalation of intercommunal violence in the Greater Tambura region since 2021 (news.un.org). This violence has led to many deaths and widespread displacement. Many civilians have sought refuge in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. UNMISS peacekeepers have stepped up their presence and intensified vehicle patrols to offer better protection to these vulnerable populations.

Understanding UNMISS and Its Mandate

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is a peacekeeping operation established by the United Nations. Its primary goal is to consolidate peace and security in South Sudan. It also aims to help create conditions for the country's development. The mandate of UNMISS is broad. It includes protecting civilians, monitoring and investigating human rights, and creating conditions that allow humanitarian assistance to be delivered (press.un.org). Furthermore, UNMISS supports the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the broader peace process.

The Security Council extended the mandate of UNMISS for one year through Resolution 2779 (2025) (press.un.org). This extension highlights the mission's critical role in de-escalating tensions and protecting civilians. For UNMISS to be effective, it must have freedom of movement. It needs to operate without political interference. This freedom allows it to monitor human rights violations and support humanitarian efforts (press.un.org). Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, has warned that continued conflict could devastate South Sudan and the entire region (passblue.com).

South Sudan's Ongoing Conflict

South Sudan continues to struggle with the aftermath of a civil war that began shortly after its independence in 2011. This conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread humanitarian challenges. The primary conflict has been between Government forces led by President Salva Kiir and fighters loyal to his rival, Riek Machar. Machar has served as First Vice President since 2020 (news.un.org).

In March 2025, Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, voiced serious concerns. He stated that the conflict could devastate South Sudan and the entire region. He emphasized that the region cannot afford another war (passblue.com). Clashes were reported in March 2025 between Government troops of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) near Rejaf, south of Juba, and in Wunaliet to the west (news.un.org). The situation in Upper Nile also remains volatile. An attack on a UNMISS helicopter in March 2025, which killed many, was condemned by Nicholas Haysom as "utterly abhorrent" and a potential war crime (news.un.org). This helicopter was involved in efforts to prevent violence and de-escalate tensions in Nasir.

The Nature of Intercommunal Violence

Intercommunal violence in South Sudan is a complex issue. It often involves clashes between different ethnic groups or communities. These conflicts frequently arise from disputes over essential resources like land and cattle. Political grievances and historical animosities also fuel this violence. This type of violence can include killings, abductions, and other forms of harm to civilians.

In 2024, the number of civilians harmed by both conventional parties to the conflict and other armed groups increased by 51% (news.un.org). UNMISS documented 1,019 violent incidents affecting 3,657 civilians in the past year alone (news.un.org). This deadly intercommunal violence poses a significant challenge. It hinders the country’s transition to stability (press.un.org). Addressing these root causes and fostering dialogue between communities is essential for long-term peace.

Intercommunal Violence in South Sudan (2024)

51%
Increase in civilians harmed by armed groups

1,019
Violent incidents documented by UNMISS

3,657
Civilians affected in the past year

Data on intercommunal violence in South Sudan for 2024. Source: news.un.org

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains dire. Ongoing conflict continues to exacerbate challenges. It also hinders access to essential services. A hospital bombing in May 2025 was condemned by the UN Commission on Human Rights. They called it a potential war crime (news.un.org). This incident highlights the devastating impact of conflict on healthcare access. Dr. Humphrey Karamagi of the WHO in South Sudan noted that attacks on health facilities lead to a loss of access to health services. They also diminish hope for the population (news.un.org).

The UN human rights chief has urged all parties to uphold the 2018 peace agreement (news.un.org). This includes ensuring civilian protection and facilitating humanitarian access. The challenges to humanitarian aid delivery are significant. They include insecurity, damaged infrastructure, and bureaucratic impediments. UNMISS and other humanitarian partners are working to overcome these barriers. They aim to reach those most in need. This involves negotiating access with armed groups and establishing humanitarian corridors. It also means providing logistical support for aid distribution.

Political Instability and Arbitrary Detentions

Political instability and arbitrary detentions continue to be a major concern in South Sudan. These issues further complicate peace efforts. Between March 5 and 26, 2025, at least 55 high-ranking government officials were arrested. These individuals were affiliated with the SPLA-IO. They included civilians, and arrests occurred across the country (news.un.org). The detained individuals included South Sudan’s first vice-president, ministers, members of parliament, and military officers (news.un.org).

The UN human rights chief has called for the immediate and unconditional release of those arbitrarily detained (news.un.org). They also urged authorities to grant UNMISS access to National Security Service detention sites. This access would allow UNMISS to assess the welfare of detainees. These arbitrary detentions severely impact ongoing peace negotiations. They also undermine political stability. Such actions erode trust and create an environment of fear. This makes it harder to implement the peace agreement and move towards a democratic future.

The 2018 Peace Agreement: A Framework for Stability

The 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is a crucial peace deal. It was signed to end the civil war that began in 2013. This agreement outlines provisions for a transitional government. It also includes security sector reform, justice and accountability mechanisms, and a permanent ceasefire (press.un.org). The R-ARCSS aims to bring lasting peace and stability to the country. It serves as the framework for South Sudan's transition from instability to stability (press.un.org).

A key provision of the R-ARCSS is a 35% quota for women's representation in government (womenpeacesecurity.org). Unfortunately, this quota is currently not being met. The conflict has the potential to erase all the hard-won gains made since the 2018 peace deal was signed (passblue.com). Therefore, upholding and fully implementing this agreement is vital for the future of South Sudan. It is the roadmap for a peaceful and inclusive society.

Status of the 2018 Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS)

Framework for Transition
The R-ARCSS serves as the primary framework for South Sudan's transition from instability to stability.

Women's Representation Quota
Requires 35% women's representation in government, a target currently not met.

Risk of Reversal
Ongoing conflict threatens to undo all progress made since the agreement was signed.

Key aspects and challenges of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. Source: press.un.org, womenpeacesecurity.org, passblue.com

Women's Role in Peacebuilding

Women in South Sudan face significant challenges. These include increased human rights violations and exclusion from peace processes. Increased efforts are needed to ensure the inclusion of diverse women in the peace process. Their representation in government, national ministries, and as state governors is also crucial (womenpeacesecurity.org). The current representation of women falls short of the 35% quota required in the R-ARCSS (womenpeacesecurity.org).

Civic space must be protected. Women must be able to participate meaningfully and safely. This includes their roles as candidates, poll workers, and voters ahead of elections (womenpeacesecurity.org). Furthermore, momentum should be leveraged to finalize the proposed Anti Gender-Based Violence Bill. This bill aims to address impunity and protect the human rights of women and girls (womenpeacesecurity.org). Empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard is not just a matter of human rights. It is also essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.

Regional Implications of Conflict

A renewed conflict in South Sudan could have devastating regional implications. Nicholas Haysom, the top executive of UNMISS, stated that conflict would devastate not only South Sudan but the entire region (passblue.com). The region simply cannot afford another war. Such a conflict could lead to increased refugee flows. This would place immense strain on neighboring countries. It could also destabilize these nations, which are already facing their own challenges.

Disruption of regional trade and security would also be a likely outcome. Planning for regional humanitarian needs is critical. This is especially true in case of displacement due to potential election-motivated violence (womenpeacesecurity.org). This planning must occur alongside addressing the continued impacts of the regional crisis in neighboring Sudan. The interconnectedness of the region means that instability in one country can quickly spread. Therefore, regional cooperation and diplomatic efforts are vital to prevent further escalation and ensure collective security.

Potential Regional Impacts of South Sudan Conflict

• Increased refugee flows to neighboring countries.


• Destabilization of neighboring countries.


• Disruption of regional trade and security.


• Strain on regional humanitarian resources.


• Exacerbation of existing regional crises.

Potential regional implications of renewed conflict in South Sudan. Source: passblue.com, womenpeacesecurity.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.