South Sudan: Politics and Government

The political and security situation in South Sudan is becoming increasingly unstable. We are using our diplomatic levers at our disposal to call for de-escalation of ongoing violence across the country and for President Kiir to release political detainees, including First Vice President Riek Machar from house arrest. On 27 March, we joined likeminded partners to call on President Kiir to release First Vice President Machar under house arrest and prevent further escalation. On 8 May, the UK joined a majority of UN Security Council members in voting in favour of extending the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan. On 30 May, we again joined a majority of Council members in voting in favour of the UN Arms Embargo and Sanctions Regime on South Sudan, preventing the flow of weapons to armed groups. We will continue to work with partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the UN, to urge the Government of South Sudan to implement their Peace Agreement.