South Sudan Faces Renewed Threat of Civil War Amid Rebel Advances

On January 27, 2026, the South Sudanese government issued an urgent call for opposition forces to cease hostilities as clashes between government troops and fighters loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) intensified in Jonglei state. The United Nations reported that the scale of these confrontations is unprecedented since 2017, raising fears of a resurgence of civil war. The ongoing violence has already displaced at least 180,000 individuals in the region, according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

South Sudan government says rebel advance poses 'serious threat to peace'South Sudan government says rebel advance poses ‘serious threat to peace’South Sudan Government Says Rebel Advance Poses 'Serious Threat to Peace'

The current unrest is rooted in the civil war that ravaged South Sudan from 2013 to 2018, primarily fought along ethnic lines between President Salva Kiir's forces and those loyal to Vice President Riek Machar. This conflict resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and widespread displacement. Machar is currently facing treason charges after an ethnic militia linked to the SPLA-IO attacked an army base in Nasir last year, a claim he denies.

South Sudan Government Says Rebel Advance Poses 'Serious Threat to Peace'

South Sudan's Information Minister, Ateny Wek Ateny, emphasized the government's stance, stating that any actions undermining the 2018 peace agreement pose a significant threat to stability and the transitional process. He warned that escalating hate speech is exacerbating ethnic tensions, potentially drawing civilian communities into the conflict. The government claims to have successfully repelled rebel advances in Jonglei, which stretches from the Ethiopian border to central South Sudan.

South Sudan government says rebel advance poses ‘serious threat to peace’

Critics of the government argue that the ongoing violence reflects deeper systemic issues within South Sudan's political landscape. They contend that the government's failure to address underlying grievances and promote genuine reconciliation is fueling the conflict. The SPLA-IO has not publicly responded to the government's calls for a ceasefire, leaving the potential for further escalation uncertain.

South Sudan government says rebel advance poses ‘serious threat to peace’

The renewed fighting in Jonglei state not only threatens to destabilize South Sudan further but also raises concerns about regional security. The humanitarian crisis resulting from the clashes is expected to worsen, with thousands more potentially displaced and in need of assistance. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as any resurgence of civil war could have far-reaching consequences for neighboring countries.

South Sudan Government Says Rebel Advance Poses 'Serious Threat to Peace'

While the government claims to have repelled rebel advances, the SPLA-IO's position remains unclear, and reports from the ground indicate ongoing clashes. The UN's assessment of the situation highlights the urgent need for humanitarian aid, yet access to affected areas remains limited due to the violence.

South Sudan government says rebel advance poses ‘serious threat to peace’

• “The government calls upon the SPLM/A-in-Opposition to immediately cease hostilities. Any actions that undermine the [2018] agreement pose a serious threat to peace and jeopardise the transitional process,” — Ateny Wek Ateny, Information Minister

South Sudan government says rebel advance poses ‘serious threat to peace’

• “The mission also warns that escalating hate speech is fuelling ethnic tensions and risks drawing civilian communities into the conflict,” — UNMISS Spokesperson

South Sudan Government Says Rebel Advance Poses 'Serious Threat to Peace'