BOR — The Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN) has reiterated alarm over alleged mobilization of youth along ethnic lines by some community leaders amid ongoing clashes between government and opposition forces in Jonglei State.
Speaking to the media, the network’s Chairperson and Executive Director, Bol Deng Bol, warned that the current hostilities between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLA-IO are political in nature and should not be interpreted or exploited as an ethnic conflict.
Deng said the involvement of community leaders in mobilizing young people based on ethnic identity is a dangerous and misleading development that risks further escalating violence in the state.
“The perpetual hostilities between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO are not ethnic, but political,” Deng said. “Community leaders currently mobilising young people on ethnic basis in Jonglei State should reconsider this agenda, because it is misleading and dangerous to all.”
in mobilizing young people based on ethnic identity is a dangerous and misleading development that risks further escalating violence in the state.
“The perpetual hostilities between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO are not ethnic, but political,” Deng said. “Community leaders currently mobilising young people on ethnic basis in Jonglei State should reconsider this agenda, because it is misleading and dangerous to all.”
He urged leaders at all levels to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions and protecting civilians, rather than fueling divisions that could deepen the humanitarian crisis.
Deng further appealed to the warring parties to immediately cease hostilities and pursue nonviolent means to resolve their differences, stressing that civilians are already paying a heavy price for the conflict.
According to the civil society leader, nearly 200,000 people have been displaced by the fighting across several counties, including Nyirol, Wuror, Ayod, and Akobo. He added that an estimated 5,000 civilians have reportedly fled Bor County to Juba and Awerial County in Lakes State in search of safety.
“Already civilians are bearing the brunt of this unnecessary war,” he said.
Despite the deteriorating security situation, Deng expressed optimism that peace remains achievable, calling for dialogue and cooperation under existing peace mechanisms.
“I believe that diplomacy can thrive even in a violent environment,” he said. “The SSPDF and SPLA-IO can still become peace partners under the same mechanism of inclusive access. Not all is lost.”