By Chol D. Johnson
Civil society organizations across South Sudan have strongly condemned the renewed outbreak of violence in some part of the country and called for cessation of hostilities.
The call followed the report of renewed violence in Akobo County, Jonglei State.
In a joint press statement issued on Monday, Civil Society Networks representing the 10 states and three administrative areas expressed deep concern over the resumption of armed confrontation, reportedly involving forces of the SSPDF and SPLA-IO.
The group urged an immediate end to hostilities and a return to peaceful dialogue.
“We condemn this resumption of hostilities, and we call for an immediate end to the renewed military confrontation in Akobo County,” the statement read.
According to the activists, fighting broke out early Monday morning, with reports indicating clashes between the two forces.
The renewed violence comes less than two months after similar hostilities in the same area, which had pushed the region to the brink of wider conflict.
The groups warned that continued fighting is worsening the humanitarian situation, particularly for displaced and vulnerable populations, while undermining efforts toward peaceful conflict resolution as outlined in the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
“The people of Jonglei State, especially in the northern counties, have suffered greatly as a result of recurring military confrontations since the beginning of the year,” the statement noted.
The activists emphasized the need for South Sudanese citizens to be given an opportunity to recover, return to their homes, and rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
They further called on all parties involved in the conflict to protect civilians and their property, and to immediately cease hostilities.
“We reiterate our appeal to the warring parties to spare civilian lives and property, and to urgently end the violence,” the statement added.
Speaking to No.1 Citizen Newspaper, Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan and a member of the Civil Society Network in Jonglei State, confirmed the joint statement and expressed concern over the recurring clashes.
“The recent fighting, which occurred between April 12–13, is part of a pattern of conflict that continues to affect the population in Akobo,” Deng said.
He stressed that civilians are once again bearing the brunt of the violence, despite repeated calls for disputes to be resolved through political dialogue.
“We are deeply concerned that civilians are being subjected to renewed conflict. This is why we are expressing our disappointment and urging parties to prioritize dialogue over violence,” he said.
Additionally, he appealed to the international community to intervene and support efforts to halt the ongoing confrontation.
The civil society groups concluded by urging all stakeholders to fully implement the peace agreement and act in the interest of national unity, rather than continuing actions that threaten stability