SSPDF Gen. suggests leaders’ retreat, inclusive dialogue for lasting peace

A senior general of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces has called on political leaders to hold a retreat and engage in inclusive dialogue, warning that lasting peace in South Sudan depends on cooperation, reconciliation, and dialogue ahead of elections. Lt. Gen. Ashhab Khamis Fatal, a senior general of the SSPDF and Assistant Chief of […]
WFP seeks safe access to deliver aid in Jonglei

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has called on all parties to the conflict in South Sudan to urgently halt military operations and allow safe humanitarian access to enable the delivery of life-saving food assistance to hundreds of thousands of people in Jonglei State. WFP warned that escalating insecurity in the region threatens to […]
EU ambassador tells South Sudan leaders to end fighting

The European Union has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in South Sudan and called on national leaders to halt hostilities and return to dialogue to fully implement the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. Ambassador Pelle Enarsson, Head of the EU Delegation to South Sudan, made the remarks on Wednesday during a federalism […]
South Sudan gov’t throws Gen. Olony under the political bus

South Sudan’s government has publicly distanced itself from one of its senior generals following inflammatory remarks in which he allegedly ordered his forces to spare no life or property during military operations against opposition fighters in northern Jonglei State. In a press briefing held in Juba on January 27, government spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny said […]
UN warns senior leaders could be held liable for Jonglei violence

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned that senior political and military leaders could face individual criminal responsibility for violence in Jonglei State. In a statement issued on January 25, the Commission expressed grave alarm at public remarks by senior military figures that encourage violence against civilians, combined with reports […]
UNMISS condemns Olony’s orders as civilians bear brunt of Jonglei fighting

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has strongly condemned reported orders attributed to military commander Gen. Johnson Olony, warning that inflammatory rhetoric urging indiscriminate violence is placing civilians at extreme risk amid escalating conflict in Jonglei State. In a statement, UNMISS said it is gravely concerned by reports that a senior military leader […]
SSPDF orders civilian evacuation from SPLA-IO-held areas

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has ordered the immediate evacuation of civilians from areas under the control of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) in parts of Jonglei State, citing imminent military operations aimed at restoring security. In a press release issued on January 25, 2026, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang […]
SSPDF general’s words ignite fears of widespread civilian killings — Rights group

Human rights activists have raised grave alarm following incendiary remarks attributed to a senior South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) commander, warning that such rhetoric could fuel mass civilian killings and grave international crimes if left unaddressed. The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) on Sunday strongly condemned statements reportedly made by General Johnson Olony, […]
President Kiir makes silent changes in military intelligence leadership

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has quietly implemented changes within the leadership of South Sudan’s Military Intelligence, reshuffling top positions without public ceremony or extensive official commentary. According to a presidential decree, Lt. Gen. David Ohucholi has been relieved of his duties as Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI). He has been replaced by Lt. Gen. Abud […]
SSPDF spokesperson refutes claims of arrest, removal from office

Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, South Sudan’s army spokesperson has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media claiming that he has been relieved of his duties or placed under arrest. In a brief statement issued for immediate release and addressed to the rank and file as well as the general public, Maj. […]