Tensions heightened this week following reports that a senior army commander had urged troops to inflict indiscriminate violence against civilians in the region.
According to humanitarian agencies and local reports, fighting between government forces and opposition militia has resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, displacing an estimated 180 000 people.
The South Sudanese army is reported to have launched a major offensive in Jonglei, ordering civilians to evacuate affected areas and instructing aid agencies to withdraw from zones where military operations are underway.
In a statement issued on Thursday, United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned regarding the impact of the escalating violence”, warning that continued attacks would further endanger populations already living in extreme vulnerability.
He emphasised the urgent need to protect civilians and safeguard humanitarian access. Two‑thirds of South Sudan’s population are projected to require some form of humanitarian assistance, making uninterrupted aid delivery essential.
Guterres called for all military operations to cease immediately, urging both the Government of South Sudan and opposition forces to take “immediate and decisive action” to halt hostilities and engage in inclusive dialogue to prevent the crisis from worsening.
The surge in violence comes against the backdrop of long‑standing political tensions. Despite a 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and his then‑rival, now First Vice President Riek Machar, the country has struggled to maintain stability. The establishment of a Revitalised Transitional Government in February 2020 was intended to pave the way for national elections; however, those elections have repeatedly been postponed.
Guterres reiterated that a political, not military, solution is essential for South Sudan’s future, urging all stakeholders to recommit to the peace process and work towards credible, peaceful elections.
He also welcomed the ongoing efforts of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in supporting dialogue and promoting a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
