The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has strongly condemned the renewed fighting in the country and called on all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions.
Commission Chair Yasmine Sooka issued a statement on Saturday expressing grave concern over the ongoing military confrontations between forces loyal to opposition leader Dr Riek Machar and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in northern Jonglei State.
The Commission reiterated its longstanding appeal to South Sudan’s leaders to choose peace over conflict. It urged them to return to the negotiating table to protect the country’s fragile peace agreements, warning that only meaningful dialogue can prevent further bloodshed. The renewed clashes have already led to significant civilian casualties, including the deaths of humanitarian aid workers operating in the affected areas.
Ms Sooka also raised alarm over reports that both sides are using heavy weaponry in close proximity to civilian communities. She stressed that international humanitarian law strictly prohibits the use of airstrikes and heavy weapons in populated areas, and called on all military forces to uphold their ethical and legal responsibilities to protect civilian lives.
“Protecting civilians is not optional — it is a shared duty for every individual, whether a politician or a soldier,” she said.
The current escalation traces back to December last year, when the SPLA-IO accused the SSPDF of violating the ceasefire agreement. Since then, tensions have intensified, with opposition forces reportedly taking control of key areas including Waat, Uror, and Yuai.
The UN Commission warned that unless the violence is halted and the peace process revived, the country risks sliding deeper into instability, with civilians paying the highest price.
