“An immediate pause in fighting will save lives”, civil society flags rising violence

JUBA – An immediate pause in fighting is now the only lifeline for thousands of South Sudanese civilians trapped in escalating violence, civil society networks have warned, as renewed clashes and communal conflicts spread across several regions of the country.

Representatives from civil society groups across the ten states, alongside the Greater Pibor and Ruweng Administrative Areas, convened virtually on 21 January to assess the worsening security situation and its growing toll on civilians.

The meeting brought together activists, community leaders, and human rights advocates who reported rising displacement, destruction of property, and mounting fear among vulnerable communities.

In a joint statement following the consultation, the networks said armed confrontations between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) have intensified in Jonglei, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Unity, and Upper Nile states, driving families from their homes and disrupting access to basic services.

“People are running for their lives. Families have been torn apart, homes destroyed, and children are being forced into fighting. The suffering of our people is growing every day,” the statement read.

Beyond battlefield clashes, the groups raised alarm over escalating communal violence and insecurity linked to inter-communal disputes and the movement of Ambororo nomads. They said host communities in Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, and Northern Bahr el-Ghazal are becoming increasingly unsafe, with tensions over land, cattle, and resources threatening to ignite further conflict.

The civil society networks urged President Salva Kiir and national leaders to urgently halt hostilities, including declaring an immediate pause in fighting and releasing the suspended First Vice President as confidence-building steps toward de-escalation.

“An immediate pause in fighting will save lives, allow displaced people to access humanitarian assistance, and give South Sudan a chance to move towards peace,” the statement said.

They also called on communities to reject ethnic and tribal incitement, warning that hate-driven rhetoric is deepening divisions and fueling cycles of revenge. The networks urged the Ministry of Peacebuilding to intensify efforts to address inter-communal tensions, age-set conflicts, and disputes involving nomadic groups.

While commending humanitarian agencies for ongoing relief efforts, the groups warned that the scale of displacement and human suffering is now outpacing available assistance.

“Humanitarian support has been vital, but with the growing number of displaced people, we need more help, not less,” the statement added.

The networks concluded by warning that without immediate national and international intervention, South Sudan risks sliding deeper into a humanitarian and security crisis.