UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday voiced deep concern over the escalating violence in South Sudan, warning that renewed fighting is worsening an already dire humanitarian situation and forcing mass civilian displacement.

"The secretary-general is deeply concerned by the continued escalation of violence in South Sudan, most recently in Jonglei state, which has caused many deaths, injuries and the reported displacement of 180,000 civilians," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

"The secretary-general is also deeply concerned regarding the impact of the escalating violence on an already dire humanitarian situation," he said, citing the South Sudan government's reports of 250,000 civilians displaced in the first weeks of 2026.

Calling on the government of South Sudan and "opposition forces to take immediate and decisive action to halt all military operations," Guterres urged them to "de-escalate the situation through inclusive dialogue."

'Political solution'

"The secretary-general emphasises that the crisis in South Sudan requires a political and not a military solution," it said, calling on all parties to agree on "a consensus-based road map for the final year of the transition period to facilitate credible elections."

"He further welcomes the ongoing efforts of the African Union and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) and encourages neighbouring countries to redouble their support for inclusive dialogue," it added.

South Sudan, the world's youngest country, gained independence in July 2011 but descended into civil war in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed then-Vice-President Riek Machar, claiming he was plotting a coup.

Despite a 2018 peace agreement and the formation of a transitional unity government, clashes and political tensions have persisted.

Tensions

Fighting between the SSPDF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by Oyet Nathaniel, deputy chairperson of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), has intensified since December in northern Jonglei.

Tensions escalated in early 2025, exposing divisions within the transitional government formed under the 2018 peace deal. Clashes were first reported in January in Western Equatoria State before spreading north.

First-Vice President Riek Machar has been under house arrest since March 2025 and is facing trial.