The South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) have launched a significant military offensive, dubbed "Operation Enduring Peace," in Jonglei state. The operation has led to directives for civilians and aid agencies to evacuate three counties, as government forces move to confront opposition groups that have recently seized territory in the region.
This escalation occurs amidst heightened tensions between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar, prompting urgent calls for de-escalation and expressions of concern from international bodies regarding reported inflammatory rhetoric.
Current Military Operations
South Sudan's army announced on Sunday the commencement of "Operation Enduring Peace" in Jonglei state. The primary objective is to reclaim towns recently captured by opposition forces and restore stability to the region. Army Chief Paul Nang has reportedly given his troops a one-week deadline to suppress the rebellion. Reinforcements have been strategically deployed to Bor, a vital town in Jonglei state situated along the route to the capital, Juba.
As a critical part of the operation, the army has issued an immediate evacuation order for civilians in three counties within Jonglei state, with aid groups instructed to depart within 48 hours. The Sudan People's Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has recently attacked and gained control of several areas in Jonglei.
Since December, a coalition of opposition forces, including elements allied with Riek Machar and members of the Nuer ethnic militia known as the White Army, has seized government outposts in central Jonglei. Following the capture of Pajut on January 16, opposition forces hinted at a potential advance toward Juba. The government has responded by massing fighters in Poktap, with reports indicating the presence of Ugandan soldiers defending Juba.
Background of the Conflict
South Sudan achieved independence in 2011. The genesis of the current conflict dates back to 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused Riek Machar, then First Vice-President, of orchestrating a coup attempt. A peace agreement signed in 2018 aimed to conclude the devastating civil war, which claimed an estimated 400,000 lives. However, its implementation remains incomplete, and relations between Kiir and Machar have been consistently strained by ethnic strife and intermittent violence. The civil war was predominantly fought along ethnic lines, pitting forces loyal to President Kiir (an ethnic Dinka) against those aligned with Machar (an ethnic Nuer).
Under the 2018 peace agreement, Machar was appointed the most senior of five vice presidents. He was suspended from his role as the country's second-highest official last year following an incident where White Army fighters overran a military garrison. Machar is currently facing trial on charges including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, all of which he denies. His allies and some international observers suggest these charges are politically motivated. Machar reportedly remains under house arrest.
Recent political developments include President Kiir's dismissal of Machar's wife, Angelina Teny, from her position as interior minister in the unity government, replacing her with an individual from his own party. Forces loyal to Machar have since declared the peace agreement defunct and intensified pressure on the army by seizing armories and launching attacks on government positions, with the government largely resorting to aerial bombardments against the rebellion.
Controversial Statements and Humanitarian Concerns
Prior to the announcement of the offensive, General Johnson Olony, described as the deputy army chief or assistant chief of defense forces, was reportedly filmed instructing his Agwelek militia or troops with chilling directives:
"spare no-one - the elderly, children, birds or leave no house standing" and "don't spare an elderly, don't spare a chicken, don't spare a house or anything" in Duk county, Jonglei.
Government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny dismissed Olony's comments as "uncalled for" and a "slip of the tongue," asserting that they do not reflect government policy.
Separately, Lt Gen Peter Thok Chuol Luak, the SPLA-IO acting chief of staff, had advised residents on the outskirts of Juba to evacuate or remain indoors due to anticipated military confrontations. The governor of the state encompassing Juba, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, urged residents to disregard these threats.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (UNCHRSS) has documented repeated airstrikes in Jonglei, resulting in civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and widespread displacement. Over 180,000 people are believed to have been displaced by the escalating conflict, with witnesses reporting civilians fleeing into swamps.
International Reactions and Calls for De-escalation
Both the UN's peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (UNCHRSS) have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Jonglei and other conflict-affected regions. UNMISS acting head of mission Kiki Gbeho implored South Sudanese leaders to commit to de-escalation, reconciliation, and peace through dialogue under the existing peace agreement. UNMISS peacekeepers remain active in Akobo, one of the three counties, diligently working to alleviate tensions.
The UNCHRSS expressed profound alarm at the fighting in Jonglei, specifically highlighting the language used to incite violence against civilians. The African Union Commission (AU) also voiced deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and the inflammatory rhetoric. Alan Boswell of the International Crisis Group stated unequivocally:
"South Sudan has returned to war."
Civic leader Edmund Yakani characterized Olony's words as indicative of an empowerment to commit atrocities, while Machar's political group contended that Olony's statements were "an early indicator of genocidal intent." The UNCHRSS underscored that senior leaders in Juba cannot credibly claim ignorance of public incitements to commit serious crimes in Jonglei.
Olony's Deployment Context
Gen. Olony, who was appointed assistant chief of defense forces for mobilization and disarmament a year ago, also commands the Agwelek militia from the Shilluk tribe, which integrated into the army last year. His deployment to Nuer communities has been deemed contentious by some analysts due to existing rivalries between the Shilluk and Nuer communities. In 2022, White Army fighters reportedly razed Shilluk villages before government intervention. Analysts suggest that Olony's presence in Jonglei could be perceived as incendiary and provide a propaganda advantage for the opposition.