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| Photo Credit: AP Sam Mednick |
A fresh wave of violence in Jonglei State’s Pigi County has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes, seeking safety near the Upper Nile state capital, Malakal. Local officials say the situation is rapidly deteriorating as armed clashes intensify.
Pigi County, situated at the strategic meeting point of the Sobat and Nile Rivers just south of Malakal, has been overrun by fighters from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) and allied White Army militias.
According to Pigi County Commissioner Suleiman Deng, armed groups have seized key areas, including Wunmaker (Dwong) and Wunlith, pushing residents to flee toward Obel, Doleib Hill, and Panam—settlements closer to Malakal.
“Our civilians have fled with nothing,” Deng told Radio Tamazuj. “The attackers came in large numbers, and the SSPDF forces in Wunlith withdrew, leaving the population vulnerable.”
The situation has also triggered a humanitarian emergency. Monyngok Abiel, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) coordinator for Pigi County, reported that more than 14,000 displaced people are now sheltering in precarious conditions around Malakal.
“Fighting over the past three days in Wunlith and Canal has overwhelmed communities. People are in dire need of food, shelter, and medical care,” Abiel said, calling for urgent humanitarian assistance.
As the threat of further attacks looms and with government forces retreating from key positions, there are growing fears that the violence could spread, displacing even more civilians.
The unfolding crisis in Pigi County is yet another reminder of the fragile peace and security situation in South Sudan, where political rivalries, unresolved grievances, and militia violence continue to upend lives and hinder recovery efforts.
Who Are the SPLA-IO and the White Army?
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) emerged in 2013 following a political fallout between President Salva Kiir and then-Vice President Riek Machar. Since then, the SPLA-IO has functioned as a major opposition force in South Sudan's complex conflict landscape.
Although the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement aimed to integrate rebel forces into a unified national army, implementation has remained sluggish and uneven, leading to recurrent clashes like the one unfolding in Pigi County.
The White Army, on the other hand, is a loosely organized militia made up largely of Nuer youth.
Traditionally mobilized for self-defense and cattle protection, the group has at times aligned with the SPLA-IO.
Their involvement often signals localized grievances, especially over land, resources, or perceived ethnic marginalization.
Why Pigi County Matters
Pigi’s location near the confluence of two major rivers gives it both symbolic and strategic importance.
It serves as a key link between Jonglei and Upper Nile states, making it a high-value target in times of conflict.
Its recent seizure by opposition forces underscores the broader breakdown in local security structures and the urgent need for renewed political and peace-building efforts.
A Call for Action
The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have been urged to step in quickly to provide aid and protection to those displaced.
With over 14,000 people now in displacement camps with no food, clean water, or medical services, the situation risks turning into a major humanitarian catastrophe if not addressed swiftly.
South Sudan government, meanwhile, faces growing pressure to reestablish control, protect civilians, and restore faith in the peace process.
As of now, the response appears slow and disjointed, raising difficult questions about the state's capacity or willingness to safeguard vulnerable populations.
What’s Next?
This developing crisis highlights the urgent need for comprehensive disarmament, security reform, and genuine reconciliation at both national and grassroots levels.
Without sustained peace efforts and international engagement, counties like Pigi may continue to fall victim to cycles of violence and displacement.
Stay tuned for updates.
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