By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
South Sudan, 25 December 2025 - South Sudan risks losing hard-won peace gains unless its political leaders move beyond dialogue and take decisive action to end violence and restore public trust, the head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission has warned.
In a Christmas message issued from Juba on Wednesday, Anita Kokui Gbeho, the acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), described the past year as one marked by deep uncertainty and strain for the world’s youngest nation.
She said persistent insecurity, stalled political reforms and economic hardship have weighed heavily on communities already grappling with the long shadow of conflict and repeated climate shocks, including devastating floods.
“South Sudanese have endured profound challenges,” Gbeho noted, adding that while recent political engagements signal a willingness to rebuild cooperation among leaders, goodwill alone is not enough. She stressed that talks must now deliver real change on the ground.
“These efforts must be translated into concrete action to stop violence and restore public confidence in the peace process,” she said.
Her warning comes as South Sudan approaches a defining period. In 2026, the country will mark 15 years since independence while preparing for what would be its first-ever national elections. Polls, initially expected years ago, have been postponed several times due to insecurity, lack of funds and political disagreements.
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Gbeho described the coming year as a pivotal moment that demands inclusive dialogue and faithful implementation of political commitments, particularly those aimed at safeguarding the rights and participation of women and young people.
South Sudan is still struggling to fully implement the 2018 peace agreement that ended a brutal five-year civil war. Key reforms, including security arrangements and constitutional processes, remain delayed. Meanwhile, violence linked to intercommunal tensions and armed groups continues in parts of the country, compounding an already dire humanitarian situation.
Despite these challenges, Gbeho reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to stand with the people of South Sudan. She said UNMISS would continue to prioritise the protection of civilians and support national efforts toward lasting peace.
She closed by wishing those marking Christmas a peaceful season and expressed hope that the New Year would bring greater safety, unity and renewed confidence in the country’s path forward.
UN Envoy Raises Concerns Over South Sudan’s Stalled Peace
Gbeho describes 2025 as one marked by deep uncertainty and strain
