South Sudan’s government has appealed to opposition forces to immediately halt the fighting, warning that escalating violence risks dragging the country back into a full-scale civil war.

The call follows a rebel advance and continued clashes in Jonglei state, where officials say thousands of civilians have already been forced to flee their homes. Local authorities report that villages have been attacked, homes burned and access to basic services severely disrupted.

The government says the renewed violence threatens the fragile peace agreement signed in 2018, which ended years of civil conflict and laid the groundwork for a unity government. It has accused opposition groups of undermining stability at a time when the country is struggling with food insecurity, flooding and economic hardship.

Humanitarian agencies have also raised concerns about limited access to affected areas, warning that displacement and insecurity could worsen an already dire humanitarian situation.

South Sudan has experienced repeated outbreaks of violence despite the peace deal, with Jonglei state remaining a persistent flashpoint due to armed groups, communal tensions and weak security presence.

–ChannelAfrica–