Yakani warns of renewed violence following fresh clashes in Jonglei, Upper Nile

The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmond Yakani, has strongly condemned the renewed military confrontations in parts of South Sudan, warning that the incidents could signal a wider return to armed conflict.

Speaking on Monday, Yakani cited the recent clashes in Walgak, northern Jonglei State, and an attack in Papuojo Boma of Tonga Payam, Panyikang County, Upper Nile State, as alarming developments that threaten the country’s fragile peace.

He said the two incidents, which occurred around the same time, raise concerns over the possibility of renewed fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), particularly during the rainy season.

Although the Commissioner of Panyikang County reportedly attributed the Papojoboma attack to an armed criminal group that is being pursued, Yakani said the incident still falls within the broader context of the ongoing tensions between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO.

“As a civil society leader, we strongly condemn these incidents,” Yakani said.

“They also undermine the efforts of the African Union, especially as they occurred during the visit of the AU C5 Council of Ministers to Juba.”

Yakani appealed to the African Union, the AU C5 member states, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to intensify pressure on South Sudan’s political leaders to recommit to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

He warned that without renewed commitment to the peace process, efforts to transition the country from violence to lasting peace would be jeopardized.

Yakani also expressed concern over rising political tensions ahead of the planned December 2026 elections, saying disagreements among political leaders could fuel further confrontations involving the SSPDF, the SPLA-IO, and other armed groups.

He urged South Sudan’s political and military leaders to abandon violence and pursue dialogue, saying ordinary citizens continue to bear the devastating human and economic costs of conflict.

“The barrel of the gun will never respond to the aspirations of the people,” Yakani said. “Only dialogue can address the needs of South Sudanese citizens and secure lasting peace.”

He further called on regional bodies, including the African Union and IGAD, to take more decisive action in supporting the implementation of the peace agreement and preventing the country from sliding back into widespread violence.