The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged the South Sudanese government and opposition forces to immediately halt all military actions in Jonglei State, warning that recent violence has led to multiple deaths, injuries, and the displacement of thousands.
He called on both sides to de-escalate tensions and pursue a peaceful resolution through inclusive dialogue, emphasizing the protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access.
“The continued escalation of violence in South Sudan is deeply concerning. Civilians must be protected, and access for the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance must be ensured,” Guterres said in a statement posted on X, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard vulnerable populations amid worsening humanitarian challenges in the region.
The UN chief’s appeal comes as clashes in Jonglei disrupt local communities and hinder aid operations. He stressed that all parties must prioritize civilian safety and ensure that humanitarian workers can deliver essential assistance, warning that ongoing hostilities would only deepen the suffering of those affected.
Earlier this week, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed alarm over the deteriorating security situation in South Sudan, noting that rising violence in Jonglei State threatens the country’s fragile peace process.
“I am deeply concerned over the deteriorating security situation in parts of the Republic of South Sudan,” Youssouf said, citing reports of mass displacement and escalating tensions.
The AU official condemned any attacks on civilians, stressing that “the protection of civilians remains a fundamental responsibility of all parties to the conflict.”
He warned that continued violations of the Permanent Ceasefire jeopardize humanitarian relief and undermine the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which remains the cornerstone of the country’s peace efforts.
Youssouf called on both sides to “exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions, and fully comply with their obligations under the R-ARCSS,” underscoring the need for dialogue and adherence to agreed ceasefire commitments.
The situation escalated on January 24, 2026, when the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) ordered civilians, humanitarian workers, and UN personnel to leave opposition-held areas of Jonglei ahead of a planned military offensive named “Operation Enduring Peace.” The directive targeted territories controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), including Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties, effectively paralyzing aid delivery to affected populations.
SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang justified the move by citing the imminent start of military operations and warned that armed civilians found near SPLA-IO locations would be considered legitimate military targets. “With imminent commencement of ‘Operation Enduring Peace’, all civil population in SPLA-IO controlled areas of Nyirol, Uror and Akobo are directed to immediately evacuate for safety to government-controlled areas as soon as possible,” he said.
The warnings by the UN and African Union underscore the urgent need for restraint and cooperation to prevent further humanitarian crises in Jonglei State. Both organizations have reiterated their commitment to supporting dialogue, civilian protection, and the delivery of essential assistance amid one of South Sudan’s most tense periods since the 2018 peace agreement.
