The Embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America on Tuesday called on the belligerent parties in South Sudan to immediately cease fighting and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.
“…express grave concern about the recent violence in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria, as well as other parts of the country,” the brief statement reads in part. “We call on all parties to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and to resolve issues through peaceful dialogue.”
“We renew our call for all parties to guarantee safe and unhindered humanitarian access,” the statement added.
Since fighting in Nasir in Upper Nile State led to the White Army, a Nuer militia that has often allied with the SPLM/A-IO led by suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, capturing the SSPDF garrison there in March 2025, there has been escalating political and security instability across the country, characterized by increasing clashes between the SSPDF and opposition forces. This has led to the fragile peace agreement being severely undermined with hostilities spreading across Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity States, Central Equatoria, and Western Equatoria, causing extensive civilian displacement and loss of life.
The political and security situation further severely deteriorated following the detention of senior officials, mainly First Vice President Riek Machar; the emergence of splinter factions; the deployment of Ugandan troops; and intensified military operations by the SSPDF against SPLM/A-IO and allied groups. Machar’s arrest effectively paralysed the implementation of the peace agreement, which the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) previously described as a ‘blatant violation of the R-ARCSS.’
The crisis worsened when Machar and eight other senior members of the SPLM/A-IO were charged on 11 September with murder, treason, crimes against humanity, and other serious offences linked to a White Army attack in Nasir County. Subsequently, Machar was temporarily suspended from the vice presidency to stand trial.
In January 2026, the SPLM/A-IO claimed significant gains in Jonglei State, particularly capturing the strategic town of Pajut, a key route to Bor, after intense clashes with the SSPDF. This follows earlier opposition successes, including taking Waat, Yuai, and Pieri, escalating violence and humanitarian concerns in the region as the SPLM-IO fights against the ruling SPLM-IG for control, challenging President Salva Kiir’s government.
The opposition forces have become emboldened with their recent successes and have repeatedly asked civilians to vacate certain areas as they intend to march to Juba.