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By Otto Abut
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has expressed grave concern over a worsening political and security situation in the country, condemning renewed fighting in Jonglei State and warning that the violence threatens to unravel the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
In a statement released on Sunday, 18th January 2026, the Commission said the escalation has placed civilians at severe risk of death, displacement, and deprivation, and called for the immediate de-escalation of hostilities in civilian-populated areas.
Commissioner Barney Afako cautioned that the violence in Jonglei could trigger wider instability across the country, noting that civilians continue to bear the brunt of political deadlock and failure to implement the peace agreement.
Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández added that deliberate or reckless attacks on civilians, medical facilities, and humanitarian operations may amount to war crimes under international law.
He called for an immediate halt to hostilities in civilian areas, unconditional humanitarian access, accountability for serious violations, and renewed regional and international engagement to safeguard the peace process.
“South Sudan’s people cannot continue to pay the price for political and military failure,” Sooka said. “The fighting must stop now, and civilians must be protected.”
It also urged all parties to halt airstrikes, ground offensives, and other military operations and return to the commitments outlined in the peace agreement.
According to the Commission, intensified hostilities in recent weeks have involved indiscriminate aerial bombardments by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), clashes with the SPLM/A-IO, and the reported mobilisation of armed civilian militias. Humanitarian partners estimate that more than 100,000 people, mainly women, children, older persons, and people with disabilities, have been displaced across Jonglei since late December 2025, many fleeing without access to shelter, food,d or medical care.
UN investigators reported repeated airstrikes in Uror, Ayod, and Nyirol counties, which have killed and injured civilians and destroyed homes, markets, and medical facilities. Several health centres have been forced to suspend operations or evacuate staff, leaving critically ill patients without lifesaving treatment.
“The protection of civilians is not optional; it is a binding legal obligation of the government,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission.
She warned that continued airstrikes in civilian areas and restrictions on humanitarian access by parties to the conflict are unlawful and must stop immediately.