BOR — Community leaders and civil society representatives from the Nuer and Dinka communities in Bor have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence and warning against the ethnicization of the ongoing conflict in northern Jonglei.
The leaders expressed deep concern over renewed hostilities between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO), cautioning that continued fighting risks dragging civilians into violence and reigniting ethnic tensions reminiscent of the devastating civil wars of 2013 and 2016.
“We categorically reject any form of ethnic mobilisation, incitement, or manipulation linked to the current conflict,” the statement read, emphasizing that the fighting is political and military in nature and should not be allowed to fracture relations between communities.
The leaders strongly condemned any attempts by armed actors to involve civilians, youth, or community structures in the conflict, warning that such actions could have dangerous and far-reaching consequences. “Our communities must not be turned into instruments of war,” they said.
Calling on all warring parties to immediately cease hostilities, they urged respect for international humanitarian and human rights law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure such as markets, schools, health facilities, and places of worship.
The leaders also demanded guarantees for the safety of humanitarian workers and unhindered access to populations in need.
Particular concern was raised over freedom of movement along the Bor–Northern Jonglei corridor, a vital route for commercial goods and essential supplies. Disruptions, the statement warned, could deepen humanitarian suffering and economic hardship in the region.
The signatories also appealed to youth, elders, women, religious leaders, and civil society actors to remain calm, resist rumors and hate speech, and actively promote dialogue, restraint, and reconciliation at all levels.
They further stressed that peaceful coexistence is both a shared history and a shared responsibility. They called for a return to dialogue within the framework of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement as the only viable path to resolving the current political impasse.