South Sudan’s army chief has given troops seven days to “crush the rebellion” in the east of the country, amid fears that escalating fighting could threaten the capital, Juba.
Fighting has intensified in Jonglei state, where forces loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) are reported to have attacked and captured several areas. The claims could not be independently verified, but the violence has placed Jonglei’s capital, Bor, just two hours’ drive from Juba, under growing threat.
The SPLA-IO is led by suspended First Vice-President Riek Machar, who is currently on trial on charges including murder, treason and crimes against humanity. He denies the allegations. Analysts warn that the renewed clashes risk plunging the country back into full-scale civil war.
South Sudan descended into conflict in 2013, two years after independence, when President Salva Kiir accused Machar of plotting a coup. The fighting ended in 2018 with a peace agreement that left nearly 400,000 people dead, but the deal has never been fully implemented. Relations between Kiir and Machar have since deteriorated amid ethnic tensions and recurring violence.
The South Sudanese army has sent reinforcements to Bor, a town regarded as a strategic gateway to the capital and one of the first areas seized by opposition forces during the 2013–2018 civil war.
Addressing troops, Chief of Defence Force Gen Paul Nang Majok said they had been deployed with a clear mission. He told them they had seven days to defeat opposition forces and retake areas under SPLA-IO control.
The army is being supported by Ugandan troops, although their exact number remains unclear. Some reports have suggested up to 4,000 soldiers, but this has not been confirmed. State broadcaster SSBC reported that government forces are preparing to advance into areas held by the SPLA-IO.
Political tensions have further escalated following President Kiir’s decision earlier this week to dismiss Machar’s wife, Angelina Teny, from her role as interior minister in the unity government and replace her with a member of his own party. The move has drawn criticism and raised concerns that it could inflame the conflict.
Analysts believe threats by SPLA-IO forces to advance towards Juba may be intended to pressure the government into releasing Machar.
The UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, Unmiss, has called for an immediate end to hostilities in Jonglei and other affected areas. Acting head of mission Kiki Gbeho urged South Sudan’s leaders to de-escalate tensions and pursue reconciliation through inclusive dialogue under the peace agreement.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has also expressed alarm at the worsening security situation. Commission chair Yasmin Sooka said reports of repeated airstrikes in Jonglei had killed and injured civilians, destroyed homes, markets and medical facilities, and forced large numbers of people to flee.
Earlier this month, SPLA-IO acting chief of staff Lt Gen Peter Thok Chuol Luak warned residents of Juba that attacks could take place near the capital, urging civilians on the outskirts of the city to evacuate or remain indoors. The governor of the state that includes Juba, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, has dismissed the warning and urged residents to remain calm.
