Bor Statement Warns Against Ethnic Escalation
Community leaders from the Nuer and Dinka groups, alongside civil society representatives in Bor, issued a joint statement backing peaceful coexistence. They cautioned that fighting in northern Jonglei could be misread, or exploited, in ways that trigger ethnic violence.
Lessons From the 2013 and 2016 Civil Wars
At a Thursday press conference, the leaders recalled the heavy social and economic damage from the 2013 and 2016 civil wars. They noted that communities across South Sudan, particularly Dinka and Nuer, still live with enduring scars from those crises.
Concern Over SSPDF–SPLA-IO Clashes in Northern Jonglei
The statement voiced alarm over renewed clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLA-IO. Leaders warned that continued hostilities endanger civilians and could reverse progress made toward fragile intercommunal peace in Jonglei.
Chief Malaak Ayuen: Coexistence Is a Necessity
“The people of Bor and the wider Jonglei region have suffered enough,” said Malaak Ayuen, paramount chief of Bor County. He argued that political and military disputes should not be allowed to split communities, insisting peaceful coexistence is essential for survival.
Leaders Reject Ethnic Mobilisation and Civilian Involvement
The leaders said the conflict is political and military, rejecting ethnic mobilisation, incitement, or manipulation linked to the fighting. They warned against efforts to draw civilians, youth, or community structures into hostilities that should remain outside community life.
James Chakuen: ‘This War Is Not a Community War’
“This war is not a community war,” said James Chakuen, a leader of the Nuer community at the Bor Protection of Civilians (PoC) site. He rejected hate speech and appeals that could push civilians into violence they “did not choose.”
Civilian Protection and Key Infrastructure at Risk
Addressing the armed parties, the statement called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and stressed protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. It named markets, schools, health facilities and places of worship as critical spaces that should remain safeguarded.
Humanitarian Access Along the Bor–Northern Jonglei Corridor
Leaders also underlined the need for unhindered humanitarian access and the safety of aid workers, particularly along the Bor–northern Jonglei corridor. They framed access not only as lifesaving, but also as essential to stabilising communities under stress.
Roads, Markets and Livelihoods: A Local Warning
“Freedom of movement for civilians and goods is essential for livelihoods and stability,” said Joseph Kuir Bior, Twic East County community chairperson in Bor town. He said road closures and market disruptions tend to punish ordinary people most.
2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement Cited as Core Framework
The statement urged parties to return to dialogue under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. The leaders described the agreement as the viable framework for addressing the political impasse, emphasising that a negotiated path remains the safest route.
UNMISS Message: Restraint, Dialogue and Reconciliation
Leaders urged youth, elders, women, religious figures and civil society to stay calm and resist rumours, hate speech and misinformation. “Restraint, dialogue and reconciliation are the strongest tools,” said Madam Geetha Pious, head of UNMISS field office in Bor.
Civil Society Perspective on Unity and Stability
The Nuer and Dinka leaders reaffirmed unity, describing coexistence as shared history and shared responsibility. “Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division,” said Bol Deng Bol, CEO of INTREPID South Sudan and chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network.
Rising Tensions After Yuai and Waat Developments
The appeal comes amid heightened tensions after fighting between SSPDF and SPLA-IO in northern Jonglei, where the SPLA-IO captured Yuai and Waat towns. The situation has included claims of civilian mobilisation by both sides, according to the account cited.
Jonglei’s Diversity and the Risk of Political Disputes Spilling Over
Jonglei is a diverse state with several ethnic groups that experienced violence during the 2013 and 2016 conflicts. Leaders argued that those wars began as political disputes among leaders in Juba, making vigilance against ethnic framing particularly important.
Closing Appeal for Peace Actors’ Continued Engagement
The statement expressed appreciation to UNMISS and other peace actors for ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability across South Sudan. The leaders presented their message as a preventive step: keep civilians out of war dynamics and keep dialogue on the table.