The South Sudanese military has set a strict seven-day timeline to eliminate a growing rebellion in the east, signaling escalating tensions that could threaten the capital, Juba.
Reports indicate that the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has taken control of several locations in Jonglei state, though independent verification is not available. The recent fighting has put Bor, Jonglei’s main town, at risk, just a short drive from the capital.
SPLA-IO is led by suspended First Vice-President Riek Machar, who faces charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, all of which he denies. Experts warn that renewed clashes risk dragging the country back into widespread civil conflict.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, descended into civil war in 2013, two years after gaining independence, when President Salva Kiir accused Machar of planning a coup.
A peace agreement signed in 2018 ended years of fighting that killed nearly 400,000 people, but its implementation has been incomplete, and tensions between Kiir and Machar remain high amid sporadic violence and ethnic divisions.
Reinforcements have now reached Bor, a key town that was central during the 2013–2018 conflict and acts as a gateway to Juba. Gen Paul Nang Majok, the country’s chief of defence forces, addressed troops with a firm deadline.
"We brought you here for a mission," he said.
"I am giving you seven days only to finish the mission – to crush the rebellion in those areas and recapture them."
Ugandan soldiers are also assisting the South Sudanese army, though the exact number is unconfirmed. One report suggested roughly 4,000 troops. According to the national broadcaster SSBC, the combined forces are now preparing to move into opposition-controlled zones.
Observers say the SPLA-IO’s threats to march toward Juba are intended to pressure the government to release Machar. The situation intensified this week after Kiir removed Machar’s wife, Angelina Teny, from her post as interior minister and replaced her with a loyalist, sparking criticism and fears of conflict escalation.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (Unmiss) has called for a halt to fighting. Acting head Kiki Gbeho urged political leaders to "immediately cease hostilities, de-escalate tensions, and advance reconciliation and peace through inclusive dialogue under the framework of the peace agreement".
Similarly, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned of worsening conditions. Commission chair Yasmin Sooka expressed serious concern over repeated airstrikes in Jonglei, which have caused civilian deaths, injuries, and the destruction of homes, markets, and healthcare facilities, forcing large-scale displacement.
Earlier this month, Lt Gen Peter Thok Chuol Luak, acting chief of staff for SPLA-IO, issued a warning to Juba residents about potential attacks on the outskirts.
"This warning precedes imminent military confrontations in Juba. We strongly recommend that all South Sudanese citizens in areas on the outskirts of Juba either evacuate or remain indoors," he stated.
Despite these threats, the governor of the state encompassing Juba, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, urged citizens to disregard the warnings.
