South Sudanese civil society activist Edmund Yakani has renewed urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire and inclusive political dialogue, warning that escalating clashes between government and opposition forces in Jonglei State could plunge the country back into full-scale war.
Speaking at the start of the new year, Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) appealed directly to field commanders of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–in Opposition (SPLA-IO), who have been locked in active confrontation in the Urol, Mirol, and Akobo triangle since late December last year.
“As we speak now, Ui town is under the control of SPLA-IO forces after heavy fighting with the SSPDF,” Yakani said, adding that clashes remain ongoing and risk spreading to other towns beyond Ui.
Yakani strongly condemned the renewed hostilities, describing them as a direct threat to civilian safety and a serious setback to peace efforts. He warned that CEPO’s early warning systems indicate the current military developments could reverse hard-won gains and return South Sudan to widespread conflict.
“We are worried that these active military confrontations may return the country to full-scale war,” he said, noting that repeated appeals to military leaders to pursue a ceasefire have gone unheeded.
According to Yakani, the fighting exposes a deeper political crisis that leaders continue to deny.
He pointed to the exchange of control over towns in Jonglei as clear evidence of a political stalemate that cannot be resolved through force.
“This is not a military issue it is a political problem that requires inclusive political dialogue,” Yakani stressed, calling on leaders at both government and opposition levels to make concessions and renew their commitment to transitioning the country from violence to peace.
Yakani warned that civilians are already paying a devastating price.
Communities are losing livelihoods built over years, while thousands flee to areas with little or no humanitarian assistance at a time when global aid funding has been significantly reduced.
“We are heading toward a catastrophic humanitarian situation,” he cautioned, adding that hunger and starvation risk being used as weapons of war amid ongoing clashes.
His concerns were echoed by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which has also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Jonglei.
In a statement issued on December 31, UNMISS warned that rising tensions between SSPDF and SPLA-IO have already caused civilian casualties and displacement.
“These escalations must stop,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS. “All military actors have a responsibility to protect civilians. As the country enters a new year, it is time to leave conflict behind and recommit to dialogue and compromise.”
UNMISS said it is engaging intensively with authorities, security forces, faith-based and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, youth, and community members to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
As South Sudan steps into a new year, both CEPO and UNMISS are urging leaders to choose restraint over confrontation, dialogue over bullets, and peace over politics of force before Jonglei becomes the spark for another national tragedy.
