JUBA – The Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has announced renewed military operations against government forces, warning civilians to avoid military sites and convoys as tensions escalate.
In a statement issued on January 4, 2026, the SPLA-IO Acting Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Peter Thok Chuol, said the group’s actions are directed at what it described as armed elements of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG) based in Juba.
Speaking through the SPLA-IO spokesperson, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, Lt. Gen. Thok framed the ongoing clashes as “purely military operations” targeting government forces accused of prolonging the suffering of South Sudanese citizens.
The opposition group rejected what it called “tribal rhetoric” allegedly being used by the government to pit communities against one another, stressing that its campaign is not directed at civilians.
The SPLA-IO urged civilians to remain calm but cautioned them to keep away from military bases and installations, which it identified as potential targets. The group also warned civilians against joining military convoys during travel, citing security risks amid the intensifying confrontations.
In a further advisory, the SPLA-IO called on non-governmental organisations and United Nations agencies to provide prior notice before moving between states and counties, a move it said was intended to prevent accidental exposure to hostilities.
In a direct appeal to members of the national army, the statement urged what it described as “patriotic” soldiers within the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces to abandon their bases, either to join the opposition’s cause or return to their families.”
The SPLA-IO also broadened the scope of its declared targets, stating that police and other organised forces would be treated as hostile if they were used to confront opposition forces.
Internally, the opposition leadership directed all SPLA-IO sectors, divisions and units to remain on standby and to respond immediately when called upon. The statement concluded with a call for unity among opposition groups, urging them to “join hands” to confront what it described as a dictatorial and corrupt government in Juba.
The renewed threats come amid a deteriorating security situation across South Sudan, a country which has seen heightened military tensions in recent months.
