South Sudan Gov’t Denies Targeting Civilians in Offensive Against Rebels
By Denis Elamu
The South Sudanese government on Tuesday denied allegations that its forces are targeting civilians in rebel-controlled areas during an ongoing military offensive against opposition forces in northern Jonglei State, near the Ethiopian border.
The Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, Ateny Wek Ateny, distanced the Transitional Unity Government from remarks attributed to Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo, the deputy chief of disarmament and demobilization of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), who was quoted as ordering troops not to spare civilian lives during counter-offensive operations.
“The government further clarifies that the recent statement attributed to Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo does not represent the policy or position of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and should be treated as such,” Ateny told journalists in Juba.
He reassured civilians who fled their homes in Akobo, Nyirol, and Uror counties of Jonglei State of their safety and reiterated the government’s full cooperation with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and humanitarian agencies operating in the affected areas.
“The ongoing security operation in northern Jonglei State is a lawful and necessary measure aimed at halting the advance of rebel forces, restoring public order, and safeguarding civilians. The operation is not directed against innocent civilians but rather against armed elements threatening peace and stability,” Ateny said.
He urged civilians seeking safety at UNMISS protection sites to remain there to avoid being caught in crossfire.
On January 25, the SSPDF ordered civilians, United Nations agencies, and humanitarian workers to evacuate the three counties within 48 hours ahead of what it described as imminent attacks on the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO).
The move followed recent clashes between government forces and SPLA-IO fighters in Pajut, about 200 kilometers north of Bor, the capital of Jonglei State, and in Panyume town, Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, which borders Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ateny said government forces had successfully halted the rebel advance toward Bor town.
“We commend our SSPDF for their swift response in carrying out their national duty,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and called on opposition forces to immediately cease hostilities and adhere to the peace deal.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan expressed grave concern on Sunday over inflammatory rhetoric by senior military officers and reports of force mobilization in Jonglei State, warning that such developments increase the risk of mass violence against civilians and further undermine the 2018 peace agreement.
Tensions escalated following a March 2025 attack by the White Army militia, which overran an SSPDF base in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, killing more than 250 government soldiers.
The Nasir incident led to the arrest of senior military officials and ministers allied to the opposition, including party leader Riek Machar, who are facing trial before a special court on charges of treason, murder, and crimes against humanity.
