Juba - As the new year approaches—a period traditionally associated with reflection and hope—the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) calls for peace to be prioritized amid reports of rising tensions and confrontations between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army – in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Jonglei State. These confrontations have already resulted in civilian casualties and displacement.
The Mission urges an immediate cessation of hostilities and the restoration of calm in affected areas, warning that continued violence risks further destabilizing the region, worsening human suffering and eroding public trust.
“These escalations must stop,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS. “All military actors have a responsibility to protect civilians. As the country enters a new year, it is time to leave conflict behind and recommit to dialogue and compromise. I urge all involved to exercise restraint and work collectively towards lasting peace.”
For its part, UNMISS is engaging intensively with authorities, security actors, faith-based and traditional leaders, civil society organisations, youth, and community members to reinforce the need for peace and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
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Contact: UNMISS Spokesperson, Priyanka Chowdhury at chowdhury20@un.org or unmiss-spokesperson@un.org