Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has appealed to commanders of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), the SPLA-IO and the White Army in Jonglei State to immediately declare a ceasefire following renewed fighting in Nyirol County.
In a Christmas message, Yakani, who is also the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), raised concern over reported clashes in Waat, the headquarters of Nyirol County, between the SSPDF and forces allied to the SPLA-IO and the White Army.
Yakani said Waat town was reportedly captured by SPLA-IO and White Army forces, prompting the SSPDF to respond with airstrikes on Monday morning. He also claimed there were reports of torture in the area.
He described the developments as deeply troubling, especially at a time when Christians across the country are celebrating Christmas in peace and joy.
Yakani warned that the renewed fighting could escalate further as the dry season approaches, placing civilians at greater risk amid declining global humanitarian support.
He described the use of military force to resolve political disputes as painful, disastrous and dangerous.
“We are getting reports of torture happening in Waat. I am appealing to the field commanders of the SSPDF, of SPLA-IO, of White Army, that the use of military solution to political crisis is painful, is disastrous, is dangerous.
“Now we see what happened to Waat town, and now we see the pain some of our population are paying in Waat because of the confrontation, and that’s why we are appealing to our leaders that moment has come as across the globe and South Sudanese in their various capacity are demanding the use of dialogue for resolving differences,” he appealed.
Yakani also cautioned that continued fighting could worsen the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, particularly with the presence of a large number of Sudanese refugees who have fled conflict in neighbouring Sudan.
He urged leaders of the warring parties to value the lives of civilians and soldiers, saying violence benefits no one.
Yakani called on all sides to immediately cease hostilities and return to dialogue to resolve their differences, describing the situation in Waat as disturbing and unacceptable during the festive season.
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