Community leaders from the Nuer and Dinka ethnic groups, alongside civil society representatives in Bor, the capital of Jonglei State, have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence and warning against the escalation of fighting in northern Jonglei into ethnic violence.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the leaders reflected on the devastating consequences of the 2013 and 2016 civil wars, noting that communities across South Sudan — particularly the Dinka and Nuer — continue to bear deep social and economic scars.
They expressed grave concern over renewed clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLA-IO, warning that continued hostilities threaten civilians and risk undoing fragile intercommunal peace.
“The people of Bor and the wider Jonglei region have suffered enough,” said Malaak Ayuen, paramount chief of Bor County. “We cannot allow political and military conflicts to once again divide our communities along ethnic lines. Peaceful coexistence is not an option — it is a necessity for our survival.”
The leaders categorically rejected ethnic mobilization, incitement or manipulation linked to the conflict, stressing that the fighting is political and military in nature. They warned against attempts to involve civilians, youth or community structures in the hostilities.
“This war is not a community war,” said James Chakuen, leader of the Nuer community at the Bor Protection of Civilians (PoC) site. “Our communities must not be turned into instruments of violence. We reject hate speech and calls that seek to drag innocent civilians into fighting they did not choose.”
Calling on all warring parties, the statement urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and demanded the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including markets, schools, health facilities and places of worship.
The leaders also emphasized the need for unhindered humanitarian access and the safety of aid workers, particularly along the Bor–northern Jonglei corridor.
“Freedom of movement for civilians and goods is essential for livelihoods and stability,” said Joseph Kuir Bior, Twic East County community chairperson in Bor town. “When roads are closed and markets disrupted, it is ordinary people who pay the highest price.”
The statement further appealed to the parties to return to dialogue under the framework of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, describing it as the only viable path to resolving the current political impasse peacefully.
Addressing communities directly, the leaders urged youth, elders, women, religious leaders and civil society actors to remain calm and resist rumors, hate speech and misinformation.
“Community leadership at all levels is critical at this moment,” said Madam Geetha Pious, head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) field office in Bor. “Restraint, dialogue and reconciliation are the strongest tools communities have to prevent violence and protect lives.”
Reaffirming their unity, the Nuer and Dinka leaders in Bor emphasized that peaceful coexistence is both a shared history and a shared responsibility.
“Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division,” said Bol Deng Bol, CEO of INTREPID South Sudan and chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network. “Peace is the only path toward a stable and dignified future for the people of South Sudan.”
The statement concluded by expressing appreciation to UNMISS and other peace actors for their continued efforts to promote peace and stability across the country.
The appeal comes amid rising tensions in Jonglei following fighting between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO in northern Jonglei state, where the SPLA-IO captured Yuai and Waat towns amid claims of civilian mobilization by both sides.
Jonglei is a diverse state comprising several ethnic groups that were involved in violence during the 2013 and 2016 conflicts, which began as political disputes among leaders in Juba.