The head of South Sudan’s armed forces has ordered troops to crush a rebellion in the east of the country within seven days, as fighting near the capital raises fears of a renewed civil war.
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Paul Nang Majok issued the ultimatum as government forces deployed reinforcements to Bor, the capital of Jonglei state, which lies about two hours’ drive from Juba and is seen as a strategic gateway to the capital.
Recent clashes have seen the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) seize several locations in Jonglei, according to local journalists, though the reports could not be independently verified. The advances have put Bor under threat, heightening concerns in Juba.
“We brought you here for a mission,” Majok told soldiers in Bor. “I am giving you seven days only to finish the mission — to crush the rebellion in those areas and recapture them.”
The SPLA-IO is led by suspended First Vice-President Riek Machar, who is currently on trial on charges of murder, treason and crimes against humanity. Machar denies the accusations.
South Sudan’s army is being backed by Ugandan troops, though their exact number remains unclear. Some reports estimate around 4,000 Ugandan soldiers are involved, but this has not been confirmed. State broadcaster SSBC reported that government forces are preparing to advance into areas controlled by SPLA-IO fighters.
Analysts say threats by SPLA-IO forces to advance toward Juba may be aimed at pressuring the government to release Machar. Earlier this month, Machar’s wife, Angelina Teny, was dismissed from her role as interior minister in the unity government and replaced by a member of President Salva Kiir’s party, a move that drew criticism and raised fears of escalation.
South Sudan descended into civil war in 2013, two years after independence, after Kiir accused Machar of attempting a coup. The conflict, which killed nearly 400,000 people, formally ended with a 2018 peace deal that has yet to be fully implemented. Relations between the two leaders have remained tense amid persistent ethnic violence and political rivalry.
Bor was among the first towns to fall during the 2013–2018 conflict and is widely viewed as a key staging point for any push toward the capital.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Jonglei and other affected areas. Acting mission head Kiki Gbeho urged South Sudanese leaders to de-escalate tensions and recommit to the peace agreement through inclusive dialogue.
The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan also voiced alarm over the worsening security situation. Commission chair Yasmin Sooka cited reports of repeated airstrikes in Jonglei that have killed and injured civilians, destroyed homes, markets and medical facilities, and displaced large numbers of people.
Earlier this month, SPLA-IO acting chief of staff Lt. Gen. Peter Thok Chuol Luak warned residents of Juba to prepare for possible fighting near the city, advising civilians in outlying areas to evacuate or remain indoors. The governor of the state that includes the capital, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, has dismissed the threats and urged residents to remain calm.