South Sudan: Violence in Jonglei raises UN concerns

^{United Nations flag (Official website of the organization)}

January 1, 2026 (PEN) The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), as the new year begins, called for prioritizing peace in Jonglei State, amid reports of escalating tensions and clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition, which have so far resulted in civilian casualties and the displacement of a number of residents.

The mission warned that the continuation of these clashes could lead to further destabilization, increased human suffering, and a loss of public trust. It called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to calm in the affected areas.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, acting head of the UN mission, said that "all military parties are obligated to protect civilians," stressing that the country's entry into a new year represents an opportunity to leave the conflict behind and recommit to dialogue and settlement, calling on all parties to exercise restraint and work collectively to achieve lasting peace.

For its part, the United Nations mission continues to work intensively with authorities, security parties, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, youth and local communities to promote peace and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

_{Source: United Nations}