South Sudan’s newly reappointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Santino Deng Wol, has declared an end to renewed hostilities between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLA-IO, signaling what many observers describe as a fresh opportunity for peace and stability in the country.
Speaking after resuming command of the national army, Gen. Santino said the era of clashes between the SSPDF and opposition forces must come to an end, in line with directives from President Salva Kiir Mayardit aimed at de-escalating tensions in conflict-affected areas, particularly in Jonglei State.
Gen. Santino welcomed his deputy, Gen. Koang Gatkuoth Kerjiok, who also serves as the Acting SPLA-IO Chief of General Staff (COGS), emphasizing the need for collaboration between the rival military factions under the peace agreement.
“The era of renewed hostilities is over,” Gen. Santino reportedly declared, calling on commanders and forces on the ground to embrace peace, discipline, and professionalism.
The declaration was immediately welcomed by civil society activists, including Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), who described the move as “a remarkable step” toward ending violence and restoring confidence in the peace process.
Yakani said the announcement was a positive response to repeated calls from civil society groups urging both parties to commit to a ceasefire and prioritize dialogue over armed confrontation.
“It is time to resolve political disputes through dialogue rather than war,” Yakani stressed, warning that civilians continue to suffer the consequences of ongoing military confrontations between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces.
He noted that CEPO would closely monitor the implementation and enforcement of the cessation of hostilities under the leadership of the newly appointed SSPDF chief. He also urged the SPLA-IO leadership to fully embrace and respect the decision.
The activist further called on Gen. Santino to ensure accountability within the armed forces, particularly regarding abuses committed against civilians during military operations.
According to Yakani, any misconduct by soldiers must be addressed through competent courts of law in order to uphold human rights and restore public trust in the army.
Yakani additionally encouraged the new military leadership to promote confidence-building measures within the SSPDF and among other armed groups as part of broader efforts to achieve lasting peace and national stability.
The latest development comes amid renewed concerns over sporadic clashes in parts of the country, which have threatened the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and heightened fears of further instability.
