South Sudan Military Leader Provides Infantrymen Seven Days to Weigh Down Revolt

Date: January 24, 2026 | Category: Geopolitics & Conflict Resolution | Reading Time: 8 Minutes

Introduction

The security situation in South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has deteriorated rapidly following a stern directive from the South Sudanese military leadership. General Paul Nang Majok, Chief of the Defence Force, has issued a strict seven-day ultimatum to infantrymen deployed in Jonglei State. The objective is clear: to “weigh down the revolt” and recapture territories recently seized by opposition forces.

This development threatens to unravel the fragile peace established in 2018, raising fears of a return to full-scale civil war. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the conflict, the strategic importance of the region, and the implications for South Sudan’s stability.

Key Points

Background

To understand the current crisis, one must look back at the history of South Sudan. The nation gained independence in 2011 but plunged into civil war just two years later in 2013. The conflict erupted when President Salva Kiir accused his former Vice President, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup.

The 2018 Peace Agreement

The civil war, which claimed nearly 400,000 lives, was formally ended by the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in 2018. This deal created a unity government involving Kiir and Machar. However, the implementation has been fraught with delays, political bickering, and sporadic violence fueled by ethnic tensions and resource competition.

Current Political Climate

The relationship between President Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar has become increasingly strained. Tensions reached a boiling point earlier this week when President Kiir dismissed Machar’s wife, Angelina Teny, from her position as Interior Minister. She was replaced by a member of Kiir’s own party, a move viewed by analysts as a significant breach of the power-sharing agreement and a precursor to the current military escalation.

Analysis

The current military operation in Jonglei State represents a critical flashpoint in South Sudan’s fragile political landscape. The deployment of troops to Bor and the ultimatum given by General Majok suggest a shift from diplomatic maneuvering to direct military confrontation.

The Strategic Importance of Bor

Bor, the capital of Jonglei State, holds immense strategic value. Located merely two hours by road from Juba, it serves as a gateway to the capital. Historically, control of Bor has been pivotal; it was the first major town captured by opposition forces during the 2013-2018 civil war. Losing control of Bor to the SPLA-IO (Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition) would place the capital Juba in immediate danger.

SPLA-IO’s Motivations

Analysts suggest that the SPLA-IO’s recent offensive—capturing several areas in Jonglei—is not purely military but deeply political. By threatening to advance on Juba, the opposition appears to be leveraging military pressure to force the government’s hand. The primary demand is likely the release of Riek Machar, who faces charges of homicide, treason, and crimes against humanity, all of which he denies.

External Involvement and UN Response

The conflict has international dimensions. Reports confirm that South Sudanese troops are being supported by Ugandan soldiers, though the exact numbers remain unverified (estimates suggest up to 4,000 troops). This foreign support complicates the conflict, potentially drawing in regional neighbors.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has been vocal in its condemnation of the violence. Acting head of mission Kiki Gbeho has urged leaders to commit to “immediately ceasing hostilities, de-escalating tensions, and advancing reconciliation.” The UN Commission on Human Rights has also expressed alarm over airstrikes in Jonglei, which have reportedly killed civilians and destroyed essential infrastructure like markets and medical facilities.

Practical Advice and Implications

For the citizens of South Sudan, particularly those in Juba and Jonglei, the situation is precarious. The rhetoric from both sides has escalated, with SPLA-IO leadership issuing warnings to residents on the outskirts of Juba to evacuate or remain indoors.

For Civilians

Security analysts advise the following:

• Stay Informed: Rely on verified sources like the UN and international media, as local propaganda can be misleading.
• Avoid Hotspots: Civilians in Bor and the outskirts of Juba should heed warnings from local authorities and avoid areas of military mobilization.
• Emergency Preparedness: Given the destruction of medical amenities and markets reported by the UN, families should maintain emergency supplies of water, food, and medicine.

For the International Community

The international community faces a challenge in mediating this dispute. The 2018 peace deal is the only framework for stability, yet it is being systematically undermined by political purges and military aggression. Diplomatic pressure must be applied to both President Kiir and Dr. Machar to return to dialogue rather than warfare.

FAQ

Conclusion

South Sudan stands at a dangerous crossroads. The seven-day ultimatum issued by General Paul Nang Majok is a high-stakes gamble that could either stabilize the region through military force or ignite a wider conflict that the nation cannot afford. With the capital Juba within striking distance of SPLA-IO forces and international observers sounding the alarm, the next week will be decisive for the future of the peace agreement and the safety of South Sudanese civilians.