By Yiep Joseph
Women activists Monday called for a cessation of hostilities, particularly in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
Their call came after a confrontation between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO-backed White Army in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
Speaking at a press conference in Juba, Grace John Kenyi, a peace activist and human rights defender, called on the conflicting parties to stop hostilities and engage in dialogue.
“We, the women of South Sudan, are deeply concerned and strongly condemn the escalating violence in our country, especially the recent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, that erupted on 14 February 2025,” Grace expressed.
“We urge all signatories of the R-ARCSS to de-escalate tensions through dialogue as the primary means of conflict resolution,” she stated.
The women called on the peace parties and monitors to expedite the unification and deployment of all forces necessary to ensure peace and security throughout the country.
The activist urged the international community to carry out an independent investigation into the conflict in Nasir.
“We implore the international community to support efforts to conduct an independent investigation into the violence and hold accountable those responsible for these atrocities,” she said.
The activists urged all citizens to denounce the misuse of social media, which is being used to spread hate speech, incite propaganda, and disseminate misinformation and disinformation, remarking that these actions only serve to escalate tensions and deepen divisions within our communities.
The group also called on the armed youth and government forces to denounce violence.
“To the White Army, a group of armed Nuer youth and its leadership, the women appealed for them to reject violence, accept a ceasefire, and engage in peaceful dialogue with the government and community leaders,” she stated.
Lilian Sukeji Micheal, a woman activist, also reiterated the commitment to ensuring that women at all levels promote peace throughout the country.