Washington: The US has expressed strong criticism of South Sudan's ongoing peace process, labeling it as 'farcical' and urging the South Sudanese government to adhere to the terms of a 2018 peace agreement. This call comes amid the trial of opposition leader Riek Machar, who is facing serious charges.

According to Anadolu Agency, the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs took to the US social media platform X, emphasizing the need for Juba to urgently engage in meaningful dialogue to uphold peace and avert the risk of civil war. The Bureau highlighted the contradiction in claiming dialogue is occurring while Machar, the First Vice President and leader of the second largest party to the agreement, remains under arrest and on trial.

Riek Machar has been under house arrest since March of last year, facing charges including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. The US has called on South Sudan's transitional government to address the misuse of public funds, halt the abuse of US aid, and stop exploiting the American immigration system. Additionally, the US stressed the importance of transparency, proper governance, and full cooperation with US law.

The US further criticized Juba for repeatedly failing to honor its commitments to international partners and its responsibilities to its own citizens. It warned that immediate reforms are crucial to maintaining US support.

South Sudan, which became the world's youngest nation in July 2011, has been plagued by conflict since December 2013 when President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed then-Vice President Machar, accusing him of coup plotting. Despite the 2018 peace agreement and the establishment of a transitional unity government, the country continues to experience clashes and political tensions.

The conflict between the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by Oyet Nathaniel, has escalated since December in northern Jonglei. The tensions reached a peak in 2025, revealing significant divisions within the transitional government formed under the 2018 peace deal. Initial clashes were reported in January in Western Equatoria State, eventually spreading northward.