GNV News January 30, 2026

On January 25, 2026, the spokesperson for the South Sudanese army announced the launch of a military operation in Jonglei State and instructed civilians and aid organizations such as NGOs to evacuate. The stated aim of this operation is to recapture bases in Jonglei State that have been seized by opposition forces. However, there are growing concerns about attacks on civilians by government troops, and criticism is mounting from the United Nations and others over the escalation of violence in Jonglei State.

The backdrop to the South Sudanese army’s announcement of this operation is the long‑standing political rivalry between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Although a power‑sharing arrangement established by the 2018 peace agreement had continued, the rapprochement ended after a military base attack carried out by Machar‑aligned forces in March 2025. The government claimed Machar was involved in the attack and indicted him, leading to the suspension of his duties in September. In response, Machar‑aligned forces began amassing weapons and attacking government positions. These forces also include the White Army (“White Army”), made up mainly of Nuer people. As government bases within Jonglei State were seized by these forces, the South Sudanese army announced an operation to retake them.

This military operation is being criticized as one that risks exposing civilians to violence. A video of a commander of South Sudanese army units already operating in Jonglei State calling for the killing of all civilians and the looting of property has spread widely on social media, causing an uproar. In Jonglei State, more than 230,000 people have already been forced to flee due to the renewed conflict that flared up in December 2025, and essential humanitarian services such as healthcare and food assistance have been severely affected.

News on South Sudan in early 2025 → “Rising Tensions in South Sudan”

Learn more about the situation in South Sudan → “South Sudan: Political Instability and Severe Natural Disasters”

Soldiers of the South Sudanese army (Photo: UNMISS / Flickr [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0])