South Sudanese opposition groups, participating in the IGAD-led High Level Revitalization Forum in Ethiopia, have declared President Salvar Kiir unfit to lead a new transitional government, citing his government's lack of constitutional legitimacy and his violation of the 2015 peace accord. The opposition blames Kiir for not implementing the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) and for the collapse of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) in July 2016. They demand the release of Dr. Riek Machar, the opposition leader under house arrest in South Africa, to ensure an inclusive peace process. Meanwhile, the SPLM Former Detainees (SPLM FDs) suggest excluding both President Kiir and Dr. Machar from the transitional period.

The peace talks in Addis Ababa, aimed at revitalizing the peace process in South Sudan, have been adjourned due to a deadlock between the government and opposition groups. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) led the discussions, which stalled over disagreements on power sharing and security arrangements. Edmund Yakani from CEPO confirmed the adjournment and stated that talks would resume in three weeks. The troika countries (Norway, the United States, and Britain), which supported the 2015 South Sudan peace deal, expressed support for IGAD's efforts but noted that significant work remains for meaningful progress. They urged parties to return to negotiations without preconditions. The opposition rejected IGAD's proposed power sharing formula, advocating instead for a leaner transitional government.

The United States has implemented an arms embargo on South Sudan in an effort to end the ongoing conflict that has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis. The South Sudanese government has responded by recalling its ambassador to the US for consultations. The embargo follows a communique from the Department of State, indicating a policy of denial towards the export of defense articles and services to South Sudan. The US has urged neighboring countries to support peace efforts by stopping the flow of arms into the region. The conflict in South Sudan has led to massive displacement and the involvement of UN peacekeepers. The US had previously supported President Salva Kiir when the civil war began in 2013, following accusations against his former deputy, Riek Machar, of attempting a coup.

William John Endley, a South African citizen and former security advisor to South Sudan's former Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, has been sentenced to death by hanging by South Sudan's high court. Endley was found guilty of conspiring to overthrow the government, entering the country illegally, and providing military support to rebels. He received a combined prison sentence of 9 years and 4 months for various charges, in addition to the death sentence. The defense lawyer, Gardit Abel Gar, criticized the trial as partial and a miscarriage of justice, noting that defense witnesses were not allowed to testify. The defense has the option to appeal the verdict within fifteen days. Endley was arrested after clashes in Juba in August, which led to Machar fleeing the capital.