Civil Society Warns of Rising Violence and Civilian Risks in South Sudan

(JUBA) – Civil society networks from across South Sudan have raised serious concern over the worsening security situation and its growing impact on civilians, warning that the country risks sliding back into widespread violence if urgent action is not taken.

In a joint statement issued on 26 January 2026, the networks said they held a virtual meeting on 21 January to assess rising insecurity and discuss possible joint responses. Representatives came from all ten states, the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, and Ruweng Administrative Area.

The civil society groups said fighting between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition and the South Sudan People’s Defence Force has increased in several parts of the country. Areas affected include Jonglei, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Unity, and Upper Nile states. They warned that continued clashes are deepening fear among communities and increasing the risk to civilians.

The statement also highlighted forced recruitment of civilians, which the networks said has intensified due to ongoing confrontations. This has been reported in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Western Equatoria states. According to the networks, civilians are being pressured into joining armed groups, further weakening community safety and trust.

The humanitarian impact of the violence was described as severe. The civil society groups said renewed fighting has led to the loss of lives, destruction of property, and the collapse of livelihoods. They estimated that about one point five million civilians have been displaced in the past month alone, placing additional strain on already limited humanitarian services.

Communal violence was also reported to be on the rise in several states, including Lakes, Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Unity, and Central Equatoria. The networks warned that unresolved local conflicts continue to fuel insecurity and displacement.

The statement further expressed concern over the presence of Ambororo nomads, which the groups said is creating growing tension with host communities in Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states.

In their joint appeals, the civil society networks called on the President and the Presidency to order an immediate pause in hostilities. They also appealed for the unconditional release of the suspended First Vice President, saying these steps are necessary to prevent crimes against humanity and the risk of genocide, particularly in Jonglei State and the Greater Upper Nile region.

They said an end to fighting would help stop forced recruitment, allow displaced people to access humanitarian assistance, and create space for dialogue and peaceful solutions.

The networks strongly condemned what they described as dangerous rhetoric by political and military leaders, warning that such language could encourage mass violence and ethnic killings. They urged communities in Jonglei State to reject ethnic and tribal divisions promoted by some leaders.

The statement also called on the national Ministry of Peace Building to work closely with state governments to address inter communal and intra communal conflicts, age group violence and tensions involving the Ambororo.

Finally, the civil society groups thanked humanitarian organisations for their ongoing support and appealed for continued assistance to vulnerable people affected by the renewed violence across South Sudan.

The statement was jointly issued by civil society networks from Jonglei, Western Equatoria, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Central Equatoria, Warrap, Upper Nile, Greater Pibor Administrative Area, Ruweng Administrative Area, and other states across the country.

JOINT STATEMENT BY THE CIVIL SOCIETY NETWORKS OVER THE RAGING SECURITY SITUATION & IMPLICATIONS ON CIVILIANS