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South Sudan’s government says the country is “not at war,” even with the heavy fighting in Jonglei state that has reportedly forced more than 180,000 people to flee their homes.
The Information Minister, Ateny Wek Ateny, told reporters in Juba that the military action in northern Jonglei was a security operation aimed at stopping rebel forces, not a full-scale war.
“The country is not at war,” Ateny said.
“We are only stopping the advancement of the opposition forces.”
The fighting began in late December in Jonglei, north of the capital, Juba. The clashes involve forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and fighters linked to his long-time rival, Riek Machar.
South Sudan became independent in 2011 but has struggled with conflict and poverty. Kiir and Machar fought a civil war between 2013 and 2018, and a peace deal signed afterwards has come under pressure in recent months.
The government said the peace agreement has not collapsed, even though Machar has been removed from the unity government and is facing trial on serious charges.
“The peace agreement has not collapsed,” Ateny noted.
Aid groups and witnesses have reported intense fighting in Jonglei since late December. Some have accused government forces of using heavy weapons in civilian areas.
The government said a video showing a senior officer telling troops to “spare no lives” may have been “a slip of the tongue.”
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says more than 180,000 people have been displaced by the violence.
Humanitarian groups, including Doctors Without Borders, say it has been difficult to reach affected areas, leading to shortages of food and medical supplies.
A member of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned that the violence in Jonglei could spread to other parts of the country.
“What we are witnessing in Jonglei is not an isolated security incident; it is a dangerous escalation which is manifesting in other parts of the country as well,” said Barney Afako.
