Fighting Returns in Jonglei and Unity States
Women mediators and faith leaders in South Sudan have issued an urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire after renewed armed conflict in parts of Jonglei and Unity states, alongside reports of violence in other areas.
The call comes as clashes escalate between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the SPLA-IO, a development that observers say risks civilian safety and complicates an already delicate peace process.
Women Mediators Raise Alarm Over Civilian Impact
At a roundtable peace discussion in Juba, Dr. Lona James Luduro Elia, Deputy Chair of the Political Party Council and a leading women mediator, said many citizens are uneasy about the return of conflict.
She argued that women and children often carry the heaviest cost of insecurity. “We are tired of wars that politicians start, wars where their own children are never affected directly,” Dr. Luduro Elia said.
Inclusive Dialogue Framed as the Main Path to Peace
The women mediators said inclusive dialogue remains the most credible route to sustainable peace in South Sudan, urging political and military actors to prioritise negotiations over confrontation.
They called on all parties to declare a ceasefire and engage in constructive discussions ahead of the second round of the national political dialogue, scheduled to begin on 22 January 2026 in Juba.
Women, Peace and Security Agenda Gains Visibility
According to the participants, 21 South Sudanese women mediators are taking a prominent role in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, aiming to broaden space for dialogue among parties to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
Supporters say the approach is designed to keep communication channels open between signatories and reduce the risk that disputes shift from political contestation into sustained violence.
CEPO Joins Ceasefire Pressure on Political Actors
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, reinforced the ceasefire appeal, emphasising that the ruling SPLM and opposition parties carry responsibility for protecting civilians and sustaining peace.
“The ongoing military confrontations must stop immediately. Civilians are being displaced, denied humanitarian assistance, and left to suffer in the bushes. South Sudanese deserve better,” Yakani said.
Warnings Against Prioritising Military Solutions
The mediators and faith leaders cautioned that political leaders risk weakening the spirit of dialogue when military options are presented as the primary answer to political disagreements.
They urged both SPLM and SPLM-IO leadership to demonstrate commitment to negotiations and to avoid steps that could deepen divisions or contribute to further conflict.
Displacement Fears Ahead of National Political Dialogue
The renewed fighting has reportedly displaced thousands of people and raised concerns about a possible humanitarian crisis if violence expands or access to assistance is constrained.
In their joint statement, the women mediators and faith leaders said a ceasefire and inclusive dialogue are essential to limiting civilian suffering and keeping South Sudan on a path toward peace, stability, and development (Standard Zone News).