Story perspectives

SPLA-IO Advances on Juba Amidst Deadly Clashes

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 19, 2026, the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) urged its forces to advance on Juba after capturing Pajut.
The clashes across South Sudan were the worst since 2017.
Wisley Welebe Samson, deputy chief of staff for the SPLA-IO, ordered a multi-directional advance on Juba.
The United Nations condemned the violence and the undermining of the 2018 peace agreement.
Civil society activist Bol Deng Bol reported significant displacement.

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Story summary

On January 19, 2026, the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) urged its forces to advance on Juba after capturing Pajut.
The clashes across South Sudan were the worst since 2017.
Wisley Welebe Samson, deputy chief of staff for the SPLA-IO, ordered a multi-directional advance on Juba.
The United Nations condemned the violence and the undermining of the 2018 peace agreement.
Civil society activist Bol Deng Bol reported significant displacement.