In the midst of escalating tensions in South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal region, a commander from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) has made an impassioned plea for peace, urging both sides to refrain from further violence and seek a negotiated resolution to the ongoing conflict. The commander’s call comes as clashes between rival factions intensify, threatening to undermine the fragile peace that has held in the country since the signing of the 2013 peace agreement and the subsequent revitalized peace deal in 2018.
The plea from the SPLA-IO commander underscores the growing concern that renewed violence in Western Bahr el Ghazal, a region historically affected by armed conflict, could destabilize the larger peace process that South Sudan has worked to preserve since its independence in 2011. With both local communities and international observers worried about the humanitarian and political consequences of the ongoing unrest, calls for dialogue and reconciliation have become more urgent.
Western Bahr el Ghazal, a strategically important region in South Sudan, has been a hotspot of violence in the past, owing to long-standing ethnic and political conflicts. The area has seen repeated cycles of armed clashes between various factions, including those affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) loyal to the government.
The current flare-up of violence in the region has been attributed to several factors, including disputes over land, control of resources, and political rivalries. Additionally, the presence of armed groups and militia factions that have historically been involved in the conflict complicates efforts to establish lasting peace. The instability in Western Bahr el Ghazal has been further exacerbated by the economic hardships faced by local populations, as well as the failure of many peace agreements to address the root causes of the conflict.
In a statement made to the media and through a series of public addresses, the SPLA-IO commander called on both the government forces and opposition factions to prioritize dialogue and negotiations over armed conflict. The commander emphasized that continued fighting would only harm the civilians who have already endured years of hardship due to the ongoing civil war, which has left thousands dead and displaced millions across the country.
The commander’s message was clear: We cannot allow our people to suffer any longer. We must seek peace, not war. There is no military solution to our problems. Let us come to the table and find common ground for the sake of our children and our future.
The SPLA-IO has long been an influential force in South Sudan’s political and military landscape, particularly under the leadership of Dr. Riek Machar. Machar’s movement has consistently advocated for a more inclusive political system that represents all ethnic and political groups within South Sudan, and the SPLA-IO commander’s call for peace is in line with these long-standing objectives. By prioritizing dialogue, the SPLA-IO seeks to prevent the further fracturing of the country along ethnic lines.
The SPLA-IO commander’s statements are also significant because they highlight the internal divisions within South Sudan’s opposition forces. Despite the peace agreements in place, factions within the opposition remain divided on the best way forward, with some preferring military action and others, like the commander, calling for peaceful negotiations.
As violence flares up in Western Bahr el Ghazal, the international community has expressed concern over the potential for further escalation. The United Nations, the African Union, and neighboring countries have all called for restraint and emphasized the importance of preserving the peace process. These organizations have been involved in mediating peace talks in South Sudan for years and have been instrumental in bringing both the government and opposition groups together to negotiate ceasefires and peace accords.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has been particularly vocal, urging both parties to respect the terms of the peace agreement and to allow humanitarian aid to reach affected communities. UNMISS has also been working with local organizations to provide support to displaced people and help stabilize the region. However, despite these efforts, the situation remains precarious.
Several regional powers, including Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya, have also shown concern over the potential for violence to spill across borders, destabilizing the greater Horn of Africa region. The involvement of these countries in efforts to mediate peace talks remains vital, as they hold significant influence over South Sudan’s political and military leadership.
The humanitarian situation in Western Bahr el Ghazal is dire. As conflict has intensified, thousands of civilians have been displaced from their homes, many seeking refuge in makeshift camps or crossing into neighboring regions for safety. Access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and medical care is severely limited, and the ongoing fighting has hindered the efforts of humanitarian organizations to provide aid.
The South Sudanese government and opposition forces have both been accused of hindering humanitarian assistance, either through direct obstruction or by creating unsafe conditions for aid workers to operate. The international community has repeatedly called on all parties to ensure that humanitarian aid is allowed to reach those in need, as the situation continues to worsen.
As the SPLA-IO commander’s peace plea makes headlines, humanitarian organizations are stepping up their efforts to alleviate the suffering of the population. However, the violence and insecurity in the region are making it difficult for aid to reach the most vulnerable. The international community is intensifying its calls for a ceasefire to allow for the safe delivery of aid and to prevent further loss of life.
The broader peace process in South Sudan has made some progress in recent years, particularly after the revitalized peace agreement signed in 2018. However, this agreement remains fragile, and implementation has been uneven. While the transitional government, composed of both opposition and government representatives, was formed in 2020, challenges remain in ensuring that all parties honor their commitments, especially in conflict-prone regions like Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Despite these obstacles, the SPLA-IO commander’s call for peace is a hopeful sign that dialogue is still considered the best option by many within the opposition movement. However, as long as the situation on the ground remains volatile, the success of peace talks will depend on the willingness of all factions to compromise and make difficult decisions for the benefit of the country as a whole.
The situation in Western Bahr el Ghazal is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of South Sudan’s peace process. While the SPLA-IO commander’s call for peace is a positive development, the challenges facing the region remain significant. Achieving lasting peace will require both political will and the active involvement of the international community to ensure that all parties remain committed to the peace process.
In the end, the people of South Sudan, who have endured so much suffering over the past decade, must be at the heart of any resolution. Their voices must be heard, and their aspirations for peace, security, and prosperity must guide the path forward. The ongoing conflict in Western Bahr el Ghazal and other regions of South Sudan underscores the importance of diplomacy, negotiation, and the collective determination to build a peaceful future for all South Sudanese people. Only through sustained efforts and collaboration can the dream of peace become a reality for this war-torn nation.
