The United Nations (UN) has raised alarm over escalating violence in South Sudan, warning of a worsening human rights situation marked by increased hostilities, arbitrary detentions, and growing hate speech since February.
According to the UN human rights office (OHCHR), at least 75 civilians have been killed in clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), along with their respective allied armed groups. Thousands have reportedly been forced to flee their homes, particularly in Upper Nile and Jonglei states.
Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on all parties to the conflict to “urgently pull back from the brink,” emphasizing that the renewed violence threatens to deepen South Sudan’s already fragile humanitarian and rights conditions.
The latest round of fighting began in February when the White Army, a local militia group, launched attacks in Upper Nile State. Hostilities intensified between May 3 and 20, with reports of aerial bombardments and coordinated ground and river assaults by the SSPDF on SPLA-IO positions. A counter-offensive by the SPLA-IO on May 21 further displaced civilians in Jonglei.
Turk urged all factions to recommit to the 2018 peace agreement, which ended years of civil war between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing First Vice President Riek Machar. He also called for full respect for international law, including the protection of civilians and allowing unhindered humanitarian access.
Concerns have also been raised about arbitrary arrests. Between March 5 and 26, at least 55 government officials affiliated with SPLM-IO, including civilians, ministers, lawmakers, and military officers, were reportedly detained without warrants or due legal process.
“I am concerned that many of these detentions are arbitrary,” Turk stated, urging the immediate and unconditional release of those held. He also called on the government to grant the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) access to detention sites operated by the National Security Service to assess the conditions of detainees.
The UN further called on South Sudanese authorities to take swift and effective steps to curb the spread of hate speech, which continues to fuel division and violence across the country.