from RAJI BASHIR in Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan Bureau
KHARTOUM, (CAJ News) – RENEWED fighting and rising tensions in the Eastern Equatoria state is adding to the mounting strife in South Sudan.
These incidents follow recent intercommunal violence, cattle raids and reported aerial bombardment in Ulang and Baliet counties in Upper Nile state, which have resulted in civilian deaths, injuries and displacement.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Eastern Equatoria.
UNMISS reminded all parties that such violence directly contravened commitments under the Revitalised Peace Agreement, which is increasingly under threat.
“These escalations must stop immediately,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS.
“We call on all parties to pull back, engage in dialogue and allow humanitarian partners unhindered access to those in need.”
Furthermore, urged host authorities to uphold their responsibility to prevent conflict, protect civilians and respond to community needs.
This especially at a time when UNMISS has been required to close its field office in Torit due to the UN-wide financial crisis.
The UN mission reports it has however strengthened patrols in and around hotspots, and continues to work with all stakeholders, including authorities and communities, to deter further harm.
The world’s newest country, having attained independence in 2011, South Sudan plunged into a civil war two years later.
The Revitalised Peace Agreement was signed in 2018 but is in more trouble after President Salva Kiir’s administration placed his deputy, Riek Machar, on house arrest in March 2025 over charges of treason, murder, and crimes against humanity.
– CAJ News