Women mediators and faith leaders in South Sudan have issued an urgent call for an immediate ceasefire following a renewed outbreak of armed conflict in parts of Jonglei and Unity states, as well as in other areas of the country.
The appeal comes amid escalating clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLA-IO, threatening civilians and undermining the fragile peace process.
Speaking during a roundtable peace discussion in Juba, Dr. Lona James Luduro Elia, Deputy Chair of the Political Party Council and a leader of the women mediators, stressed that South Sudanese citizens are deeply concerned about the return of conflict.
She highlighted that women and children continue to bear the heaviest burden of violence.
“We are tired of wars that politicians start, wars where their own children are never affected directly,” Dr. Luduro Elia said.
“We were born in war, grew up in war, and now our children are witnessing the same cycles. Some are even being killed at a young age. This cannot continue.”
The women mediators emphasized that inclusive dialogue remains the only viable path toward sustainable peace in South Sudan.
They urged all parties to immediately declare a ceasefire and commit to constructive discussions ahead of the high-level second round of the national political dialogue, scheduled to begin on 22 January 2026 in Juba.
Twenty-one South Sudanese women mediators are taking a leading role in advancing the country’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, creating meaningful space for dialogue among the parties to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, reinforced the call for a ceasefire, stressing the responsibility of the ruling SPLM and opposition parties to ensure peace and protect civilians.
“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.
The mediators also warned that political leaders are undermining the spirit of dialogue, citing instances where military solutions are being prioritized over negotiation.
They called on both SPLM and SPLM-IO leadership to fully commit to dialogue and avoid actions that could deepen divisions or fuel further conflict.
The renewed fighting has displaced thousands of citizens and heightened fears of a humanitarian crisis.
The mediators and faith leaders stressed that ceasefire and inclusive dialogue are critical to preventing further civilian suffering and ensuring that South Sudan remains on the path toward peace, stability, and sustainable development.
The joint statement by women mediators and faith leaders reflects growing pressure on political leaders to end cycles of violence and prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens over political gains, ahead of the national political dialogue later this month.
