IGAD timeline of diplomatic efforts on South Sudan

12 March 2025

IGAD convened its 43rd Extraordinary Summit to address the security situation in South Sudan. The Summit:

  • Strongly urged the parties to immediately de-escalate tensions.
  • Urged for the immediate release of detained officials.
  • Decided for CTSAMVM to undertake investigation into the Nasir clashes and attack on the UN helicopter to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability for any violations.
  • Resolved to constitute an IGAD Ministerial-level Sub-Committee on South Sudan to effectively engage and monitor the restoration of calm and engagement on the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
  • Decided to immediately task the IGAD Ministerial Sub-Committee on South Sudan to travel to Juba for an assessment on modalities of initiating an inclusive dialogue building on the status of the R-ARCSS and the outcomes of Tumaini Initiative.

IGAD Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, briefed the 43rd Extraordinary IGAD Summit on the situation in South Sudan. In his report, the Executive Secretary highlighted key developments surrounding the 4 March incident and outlined the following measures to arrest and reverse the deteriorating situation in the country:

  • All parties must unequivocally and unconditionally cease hostilities and adhere strictly to the Permanent Ceasefire.
  • Urgent dialogue between the leadership of South Sudan, facilitated by a Head of State from within the IGAD region.
  • The Government of South Sudan is urged to release detained officials unless credible evidence warrants legal proceedings.
  • The Joint Defence Board should be promptly reconvened to address contentious deployments, such as those in Nasir, and oversee the safe withdrawal of forces, in coordination with UNMISS.
  • An independent investigation into the Nasir clashes and the attack on the UN helicopter should be undertaken by CTSAMVM to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability for any violations.
  • Intensified efforts to promote reconciliation, including additional support to the Tumaini Initiative.
  • An urgent call for a definitive roadmap for the transition and elections by December 2026, with clear milestones for constitutional reform, electoral preparations, and institutional reconstitution.

27 March 2025

IGAD issued press release expressing alarm over escalation of tensions following the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar. It further noted that the house arrest seriously undermines the revitalised peace agreement and risks plunging the country back into violent conflict.

28 March 2025

Raila Odinga was dispatched to South Sudan as IGAD’s special envoy to help defuse tensions following the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar on 26 March. During his visit, Odinga met with President Salva Kiir and reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to supporting South Sudan on its path toward lasting peace. However, he was unable to meet with Riek Machar.