Civil society networks operating across South Sudan’s ten states, together with Greater Pibor and Ruweng Administrative Areas, have raised alarm over what they describe as a rapidly deteriorating security situation that is severely affecting civilian wellbeing across the country.
In a joint press statement released earlier today, the networks warned that growing military confrontations and communal violence could plunge the country back into widespread conflict if urgent action is not taken.
“Conscious of a possible relapse to all-out violence, civil society actors assessed the growing security threats across the country and deliberated on joint efforts to respond at sub-national levels,” the statement read.
The civil society groups cited ongoing clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Jonglei, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Unity, and Upper Nile States as a major driver of insecurity.
According to the statement, the hostilities have intensified forced recruitment of civilians into armed groups in several states, including Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Western Equatoria.
The statement further noted that the violence has resulted in widespread loss of lives, destruction of property and livelihoods, and the displacement of approximately 1.5 million civilians within the past month, creating what civil society described as “immense suffering, panic, and uncertainty among the populace.”
Civil society organizations also expressed concern over escalating inter-communal violence in Lakes, Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Unity, and Central Equatoria States.
The presence of Ambororo nomads, the statement said, has heightened tensions in some host communities and risks further destabilizing affected areas.
“With the provoking presence of Ambororo, communities are likely to be adversely affected,” the statement warned.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the networks appealed directly to the Presidency to order an immediate cessation of hostilities and to unconditionally release the suspended First Vice President, describing the move as essential to preventing atrocities in Jonglei State and the Greater Upper Nile region.
The statement also condemned what it called “dangerous rhetoric” by political and military leaders, warning that such language could incite mass killings and potential genocide.
Civil society urged communities, particularly in Jonglei State, to reject ethnic and tribal narratives and to uphold peaceful coexistence despite ongoing hostilities.
The networks called on the Ministry of Peacebuilding, working with state governments, to urgently address inter-communal and intra-communal conflicts, including age-set violence and tensions linked to the presence of Ambororo nomads.
While expressing grave concern, civil society groups acknowledged the efforts of humanitarian actors assisting displaced populations across the country and appealed for continued support as humanitarian needs continue to rise.
The statement was issued jointly by civil society networks across the ten states of South Sudan, Greater Pibor Administrative Area, and Ruweng Administrative Area.
