South Sudan Attacks on Civilians Fueled by Government Commander

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="53650349-709f-4768-93e6-20f03b3e2a21" data-testid="conversation-turn-141" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-69886e02-1980-832b-802a-1be59adff365-0" data-testid="conversation-turn-142" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> South Sudan attacks on civilians continue to worsen as armed clashes spread across multiple regions, leaving communities exposed to killings, forced displacement, and the destruction of homes and livelihoods. Fighting involving the South Sudan People's Defence Forces , factions of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition , and allied community militias has been reported across Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity, and parts of Eastern Equatoria. Civilian populations remain trapped between rival forces, often with no safe routes for escape or access to humanitarian assistance.

Widespread insecurity has been compounded by government airstrikes in populated areas and strict restrictions on humanitarian operations. Government-imposed no-fly zones over opposition-controlled territories have further limited aid delivery, worsening food shortages and medical emergencies for already vulnerable communities.

Alleged Orders Encouraging Violence Against Civilians On January 24, General Johnson Olony , deputy chief overseeing disarmament and demobilization within the SSPDF and leader of the government-aligned Agwelek militia, reportedly addressed troops in Jonglei ahead of a counteroffensive against opposition forces. During this briefing, he allegedly instructed soldiers not to spare elderly people, homes, or even livestock.

Such remarks carry severe implications in a country where older adults, children, and persons with disabilities are frequently targeted during military operations. Statements of this nature risk legitimizing violence against non-combatants and undermining international humanitarian law.

Human Rights Watch Raises Alarm Nyagoah Tut Pur, a South Sudan researcher with Human Rights Watch , warned that comments attributed to General Olony amount to an open endorsement of war crimes. According to her assessment, rhetoric encouraging indiscriminate violence signals intent to target civilians and destroy civilian property, actions prohibited under international law.

Calls have intensified for President Salva Kiir to publicly condemn such statements and clearly communicate that commanders or troops who deliberately or recklessly harm civilians will be held accountable. Silence from senior leadership risks reinforcing a culture of impunity within armed forces.

Growing Humanitarian And Regional Concerns Regional and international stakeholders face mounting pressure to scrutinize the conduct of all parties involved in the South Sudan conflict. Continued attacks on civilians threaten fragile peace efforts and deepen an already severe humanitarian crisis. Displacement numbers continue to rise, while aid agencies struggle to reach affected populations due to insecurity and administrative barriers.

International oversight, diplomatic engagement, and targeted accountability measures remain critical to preventing further escalation. Protection of civilians must be prioritized to avoid additional loss of life and long-term destabilization across the region.