South Sudanese President Salva Kiir announced on Friday a six-month state of emergency in Mayom County, Unity State, and Warrap State, following a surge in intercommunal violence, especially in Tonj East area.
The announcement was made through a presidential decree broadcast on state television, imposing restrictions on civilian movement amid reports of airstrikes aimed at deterring violence related to cattle raiding.
According to the Transitional Constitution, the state of emergency must be presented to the legislative assembly within 15 days. However, the assembly is currently on an extended recess, raising doubts about the timing of its approval.
Human rights activist Ter Manyang Gatwech criticized the decision as ineffective, calling instead for the implementation of Chapter Two of the peace agreement and the deployment of unified forces to maintain security, rather than “militarizing civilian life.” On the other hand, civil society activist Edmund Yakani supported the emergency declaration in Warrap as a “preventive step” to contain the violence, but called for holding political elites accountable for fueling the conflict.
The United Nations has reported that hundreds have died since December 2024 due to escalating communal clashes in South Sudan, particularly in Tonj East, Warrap State. These conflicts are linked to cattle raiding and revenge attacks—a common occurrence in a country also facing climate crises like drought and floods. The UN mission (UNMISS) noted that the fighting has caused widespread destruction of homes and mass displacement of civilians.
These developments come amid heightened anticipation regarding the response of political and civil forces, as the ongoing conflict continues to undermine efforts to restore stability in South Sudan
