South Sudan Army Given Seven Days to Stop Rebel Advance

The head of South Sudan’s army has told his soldiers they have only seven days to defeat rebel forces in the east of the country. The fighting is seen as a serious threat to the capital city, Juba.

Rebel fighters from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) have recently attacked and taken control of several areas in Jonglei State. A local journalist told the BBC that the rebels are moving closer to Bor, the state capital, which is about a two-hour drive from Juba. These reports have not been fully confirmed, but they have caused fear that the violence could spread.

The leader of the SPLA-IO, Riek Machar, is currently on trial. He is facing charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, which he strongly denies. Some analysts believe the rebels are increasing attacks to put pressure on the government to free him.

South Sudan became independent in 2011, but the country fell into civil war in 2013. President Salva Kiir accused Machar of trying to overthrow him. The war lasted until 2018 and killed nearly 400,000 people. A peace deal was signed, but it has not been fully carried out. Tensions between Kiir and Machar have remained high, with ongoing ethnic and political disputes.

Recently, President Kiir removed Machar’s wife, Angelina Teny, from her role as interior minister and replaced her with someone from his own party. This decision angered many people and raised fears that the conflict could grow worse.

The army has now sent more soldiers to Bor. The town is very important because it sits on the main route to Juba. Uganda is also helping South Sudan, and reports say about 4,000 Ugandan soldiers may be involved, though this has not been officially confirmed.

The army chief, General Paul Nang Majok, told his troops, “You have seven days to crush the rebellion and take back the areas.”

The United Nations has called for an immediate stop to the fighting. UN officials say civilians are being hurt by airstrikes, homes and markets are being destroyed, and many people are being forced to flee.

Meanwhile, a rebel commander warned people living near Juba to stay indoors or leave the area because of possible attacks. However, the governor of the state that includes Juba told residents to ignore the threats and stay calm.

Many now fear that if the violence continues, South Sudan could fall back into full-scale civil war.