10 February 2026 18:06 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government says South Sudan requires international action

Key points

Condemns escalating violence and abuses
Urges unhindered humanitarian access and recommitment to peace agreement

TL;DR

UK Government condemns escalating military offensives since last March, including attacks on civilians, infrastructure, ethnically-based hate speech, and reported use of child soldiers
UK Government calls for protection of UN personnel after killing of a UNMISS staff member in Wau and expresses deepest condolences
UK Government highlights humanitarian crises: around 230,000 displaced in Jonglei since December, 3 February airstrike on a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital, and looting of an aid convoy in Upper Nile State
UK Government urges the transitional government to allow unhindered humanitarian access, stop unilateral amendments and removal of opposition officials, end parallel governance structures, and recommit to the Revitalised Agreement

Original text

We have heard clearly today how the situation in South Sudan is deteriorating and requires coordinated international attention and pressure. Today, I will address three key elements. Firstly, the worsening security situation, then the imperative for humanitarian access, and thirdly, the practical steps towards a political process to peace. First, the United Kingdom condemns the recent escalating military offensives across South Sudan since last March, including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We condemn reported ethnically-based hate speech and reported increased recruitment and use of child soldiers, reminiscent of the worst days of the civil war. We urge all parties to comply with international humanitarian law, including for the protection of civilians, and reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The UK also joins the Secretary-General’s calls for the safety and security of UN personnel, following the appalling killing of an UNMISS staff member in Wau in December. We express our deepest condolences. Second, it is critical that life-saving humanitarian support can reach the millions needing assistance. We are particularly concerned at the situation in Jonglei, where violence has displaced around 230,000 people since December. The 3 February airstrike on a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital is unacceptable, as is the large-scale looting of a convoy carrying aid for 73,000 people in Upper Nile State between 31 January and 1 February. We reiterate our call on the transitional government to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to all areas, irrespective of political affiliation or ethnicity. Third, it is critical that the parties return to the peace agreement. We urge the transitional government to cease proposing its unilateral amendments to the peace agreement and its removal of opposition officials. We also express concern at the creation of parallel governance structures which are impacting aid and delivery. The Revitalised Agreement is critical to providing peace to South Sudan, especially through a power-sharing Government. The actions of President Kiir’s regime are undermining this. The UK joins the African Union and IGAD in urging all parties to recommit to inclusive, consensus‑driven dialogue to prevent the slide back into full-scale civil war.

UK Government says South Sudan requires international action

Key points

TL;DR

Key tags

Topics

Keywords

Stats

People

Organizations

Places

Countries

Regions