NCSC warns renewed fighting could disrupt election preparations

The National Civil Society Coalition (NCSC) has warned that continued fighting in Akobo County, Jonglei State, could undermine preparations for South Sudan’s planned electoral processes and prolong the country’s political transition.

The warning comes after renewed clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Walgak, Akobo County.

In a statement dated July 5, 2026, the coalition said it was “utterly disappointed” by the resumption of hostilities, saying the violence threatens civilians and humanitarian operations in areas affected by the fighting.

“Delaying political dialogue risks prolonging the conflict, worsening humanitarian suffering, and complicating preparations by key electoral institutions,” the NCSC said.

The coalition called on the Presidency to convene an inclusive political dialogue involving all signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), including the suspended First Vice President.

It also urged the SSPDF and SPLA-IO to “immediately and unconditionally cease hostilities” and called on the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to investigate the clashes.

The NCSC said instability could affect the work of key institutions preparing for elections, including the National Elections Commission (NEC), National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), South Sudan National Bureau of Statistics (SSNBS), and the Political Parties Council (PPC).