The security situation in South Sudan's Jonglei State has deteriorated with fighting opening new fronts and either party announcing victory in some areas in the northern part of the state.
On Sunday, South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), ordered civilians, NGOs and UN agencies to evacuate areas controlled by SPLA-IO in order to launch what they called "Operation Enduring Peace."
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has cautioned that provocative language and actions may aggravate instability and place women and children, at greater risk.
“H.E. Mr. Youssouf strongly condemns any calls for, or acts of violence against civilians and reiterates that the protection of civilians remains a fundamental responsibility of all parties to the conflict," reads part of the AU press release.
South Sudan is implementing the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in 2018 to end bloodshed through a shared government after Pope Francis' Holy Kiss to unite President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
South Sudan has extended General elections several times citing sluggish pace of the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement which still has several chapters not fully implemented.
Ateny Wek Ateny, national Minister for Information said in a press conference in Juba on Tuesday that the government was committed to implement the peace agreement in letter and spirit.
He assured civilians of safety while advising them to avoid being caught in crossfire during the ongoing armed confrontations in Northern Jonglei.
SPLA-IO loyal to the suspended First Vice President Riek Machar Teny who is currently facing charges related to the March 2025 Nasir incident has repeatedly accused the government of committing genocide against civilians.
Meanwhile, the government has maintained its stance by urging civilians to evacuate areas controlled by SPLA-IO as they try to exercise their mandate of protecting civilians and their property.
The AU Chairperson says the ongoing military engagements are a breach of the Permanent Ceasefire despite public pledges from South Sudanese leaders to implement the peace agreement.
He urges the conflicting parties to observe maximum restraint and adhere to the Revitalised Peace Agreement. The regional body pledges to collaborate with the IGAD to ensure lasting peace and stability are achieved in South Sudan.
