‘We must stand together in opposition to hate’, activist says amid rising violence

JUBA — A civil society activist has issued a strong call for unity against hate speech and violent incitement in South Sudan, warning that reckless rhetoric from senior military figures risks plunging the country into renewed mass violence if left unchecked.

In a statement released in response to recent remarks by Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo — who reportedly urged his forces to “spare no life” ahead of military operations in Jonglei State — Ter Manyang Gatwech, the Centre for Peace and Advocacy Executive Director, said rising hate-filled language from leaders and commanders is fueling fear among communities and threatening fragile peace efforts.

“We must stand together in opposition to hate and work toward a peaceful future for our country,” Manyang said, stressing that divisive rhetoric in a highly militarised environment can quickly translate into violence against civilians.

The activist said he was deeply alarmed by what he described as the growing use of inflammatory language by military leaders, cautioning that such statements, if not urgently addressed, could escalate into mass atrocities.

“I am deeply alarmed by the increasing rhetoric of hate speech coming from military leaders in South Sudan, which, if left unchecked, could escalate into genocide. These irresponsible and incendiary statements have the potential to ignite further violence, destabilise our nation, and harm innocent civilians,” he said.

Manyang emphasised that words spoken by those in positions of power carry particular weight in conflict settings, where armed forces often interpret rhetoric as direct encouragement for action on the ground.

“As leaders, it is our duty to be mindful of the power of our words. Irresponsible rhetoric undermines peace efforts and endangers the lives of countless South Sudanese,” he added, noting that international humanitarian law prohibits incitement to violence and calls for the protection of civilians regardless of ethnicity.

He strongly condemned statements perceived as targeting entire communities, saying such language violates fundamental principles of humanity and dignity.

“I condemn recent calls for the killing of innocent civilians, including children, women, and elders, as well as the destruction of property and livestock in parts of Jonglei State. Such language is not only harmful but also crosses moral and legal boundaries,” he said.

Manyang called on regional and international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations Security Council, to take urgent action to prevent further escalation of violence and hold those inciting hate accountable.

“Those responsible for inciting violence must be held accountable to ensure the safety and security of all South Sudanese people,” he said.

He concluded by urging South Sudanese communities to reject hate speech and resist being drawn into ethnic or political conflict.

“This is a critical moment for our country. We must stand together in opposition to hate and commit ourselves to a peaceful and united South Sudan,” Manyang said.

The appeal comes as tensions rise in Jonglei State, where military mobilisation and inflammatory rhetoric by senior commanders have raised fears of renewed clashes, civilian displacement, and widespread human rights abuses. Observers warn that without urgent restraint from all parties, the situation risks spiralling into a broader humanitarian crisis.