South Sudan Violence Draws UN Alarm
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged South Sudan’s government and opposition forces to immediately stop all military operations, warning that rising violence is intensifying civilian suffering and worsening an already severe humanitarian situation.
In a statement issued Thursday through his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” by the continued escalation, citing recent fighting in Jonglei State that has caused deaths, injuries and large-scale displacement.
Jonglei Offensive and Civilian Evacuations
South Sudan’s army launched a major offensive last week in Jonglei State against forces loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO). The military ordered civilian evacuations and told aid agencies to leave areas where operations are under way.
The UN said the violence in Jonglei has displaced a reported 180,000 civilians, adding to the strain on communities already facing serious vulnerability.
Warnings Over Rhetoric and Expanded Operations
Guterres said he was alarmed by inflammatory rhetoric directed at specific communities, alongside announcements of expanded military operations. He warned that such developments risk further harming civilians caught in the conflict.
The UN chief also highlighted concerns about the safety of humanitarian work, calling for conditions that allow assistance to reach affected populations without obstruction.
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement Figures
Guterres expressed grave concern about the impact of renewed fighting on an already dire humanitarian crisis. Citing government figures, the statement said around 250,000 civilians were displaced across South Sudan in the first few weeks of 2026 due to ongoing conflict.
The UN urged all parties to protect civilians, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and guarantee the security of UN peacekeepers, humanitarian personnel and their assets.
2018 Peace Deal, Dialogue and Elections
Guterres called on the government and opposition forces to take “immediate and decisive action” to halt military operations and de-escalate tensions through inclusive dialogue.
The statement reminded the parties to the 2018 peace agreement, especially President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, of the need for a “political, not military, solution” and steps to pave the way for credible elections.
Regional Mediation and Political Context
Guterres welcomed efforts by the African Union and the East African regional bloc IGAD to support inclusive dialogue aimed at ending the crisis.
Fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLA-IO has intensified since December 2025 in northern Jonglei. The SPLA-IO is loyal to Riek Machar, and the SPLM-IO is part of the transitional government created under the 2018 deal.
Tensions escalated in early 2025, with clashes first reported in January in Western Equatoria State before spreading north. Machar has been under house arrest since March 2025 and is facing trial.