Author: Lasuba Memo | Published: 3 hours ago
Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan. (Courtesy)
Civil society groups in Jonglei State have renewed calls for an immediate end to fighting amid clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO), raising fears of further civilian casualties and displacement.
The call comes amid escalating clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the SPA-IO, raising fears of further civilian casualties and displacement.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN) condemned what it described as “deadly hostilities” and appealed for an unconditional cessation of violence and a return to dialogue.
“The raging conflict in Jonglei State has continued unabated despite our appeal as civil society, communities and the international community, including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan,” the statement said.
The group said the fighting has led to the loss of civilian lives and those of armed forces, describing the situation as a tragedy in which South Sudanese are being forced to kill their own compatriots.
JCSN also criticized the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), accusing leaders of failing to honor the spirit of the peace deal.
“The 2018 R-ARCSS does not need the blood of South Sudanese to be implemented effectively, nor does South Sudanese need violence to build their country,” the statement added.
The civil society umbrella body further expressed concern over what it called a recent “U-turn” by the unity government, warning that continued fighting risks plunging the state into deeper instability.
Jonglei has long been one of South Sudan’s most volatile regions, with recurrent inter-communal violence and clashes between armed groups. The latest developments have heightened anxiety among residents and humanitarian agencies operating in the area.
The Jonglei Civil Society Network urged all parties to the conflict to address grievances through dialogue and recommit themselves to the peace agreement to prevent further bloodshed.
