By Joseph Akot Mabor
South Sudan stands at a critical crossroads as the resurgence of violent conflicts in Western Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Upper Nile states threatens to reverse the hard-won gains of peace and stability.
The recent clashes between the White Army and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Ulang and Bailet counties have sent shockwaves across the nation, evoking painful memories of our troubled past. As a nation that has endured decades of war and suffering, we must urgently reflect on the consequences of returning to violence and collectively seek a peaceful path forward.
The Cost of War: A Nation’s Unhealed Wounds
South Sudanese have endured unimaginable hardships, from the liberation struggle (1983–2005), which claimed 2.5 million lives and displaced millions, to the 2013–2018 civil war that resulted in over 400,000 deaths and forced countless citizens into exile or UN-protected camps. Our people have suffered enough. The signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in 2018 was a beacon of hope that promised an end to the cycle of violence and the dawn of a new era of peace and nation-building.
However, today’s events paint a grim picture. The growing unrest and armed confrontations indicate that underlying grievances remain unaddressed. If left unchecked, these conflicts could escalate into a national crisis, plunging South Sudan into yet another devastating war. The current political and military confrontations are not just a threat to the parties involved but a direct attack on the collective aspirations of the South Sudanese people.
A Lesson from Sudan’s Tragedy
The war between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has plunged Sudan into turmoil, causing widespread destruction, economic collapse, and a humanitarian catastrophe. This conflict has had a direct impact on South Sudan, disrupting trade, increasing the flow of refugees, and heightening insecurity along our borders.
South Sudan cannot afford a similar fate. We cannot afford to set our own house on fire when we are already grappling with economic instability, governance challenges, and the effects of regional conflicts. Unlike Sudan, we have a chance to prevent our country from descending into chaos again. This requires wisdom, patience, and unwavering commitment to peace.
2026 Elections: A Democratic Alternative to Violence
The 2026 general elections present a historic opportunity for South Sudanese to exercise their democratic right and choose leaders who can guide the country toward lasting peace and development. Resorting to violence as a means of accessing power will only derail our democratic progress and deepen divisions. All political actors—SPLM, SPLM-IO, SSOA, OPP, SSOMA, NAS, JCC, and other dissatisfied groups—must recognize that power gained through the barrel of a gun has only led to destruction and suffering in the past.
It is time for us to embrace dialogue, national reconciliation, and political maturity. The people of South Sudan deserve leadership that prioritizes stability, economic recovery, and social cohesion over political rivalries and military ambitions. The commitment to peace must come from all corners—government leaders, opposition groups, civil society, and the general populace.
A Call for Unity and Forgiveness
As we navigate these turbulent times, forgiveness and unity must be at the center of our national discourse. We must rise above tribal divisions, political disputes, and past grievances. The future of South Sudan depends on our ability to reconcile, heal, and work together for the common good.
Let us not allow our nation to slide back into war. Let us learn from history and choose peace over destruction. Every South Sudanese—whether in government, opposition, or civil society—has a role to play in shaping a peaceful and prosperous future.
Conclusion: A Plea for Peace
The time for war has passed. The time for building a united, democratic, and peaceful South Sudan is now. Let us reject violence and embrace dialogue. Let us focus on development, education, and economic empowerment instead of destruction and war.
South Sudan has suffered for too long. We cannot allow another generation to endure the horrors of war. I call upon all South Sudanese to unite, forgive, and work toward a peaceful and democratic future. Let us honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our independence by ensuring that our country never returns to war again.
May God bless South Sudan!
The writer is a PhD Candidate, Institute of Peace, Development and Security Studies, University of Juba