In a statement issued on Thursday, the British Embassy in Juba said Ambassador David Ashley met with South Sudan’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Gen. Chol Thon Balok, and welcomed the Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF)’s commitment to halt offensive action in Jonglei.
“Yesterday, Ambassador Ashley met with Minister of Defence, Gen. Chol Thon Balok and welcomed the SSPDF commitment to stop offensive action in Jonglei,” the embassy said.
The embassy expressed hope that the pledge would pave the way for broader efforts to preserve the country’s fragile peace agreement.
“We want this to be the first step towards all sides recommitting to the nationwide ceasefire agreement and entering genuine dialogue,” the statement added.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in northern Jonglei State, where sporadic clashes have recently been reported between SSPDF forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), raising concerns about a possible escalation of violence.
The fighting has threatened to undermine the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which ended South Sudan’s five-year civil war and established a permanent ceasefire between the former warring parties.
However, localised clashes and mutual accusations of ceasefire violations have continued in several parts of the country.
While the British Embassy did not provide details about the discussions between Ambassador Ashley and Gen. Chol, the statement signalled growing international concern over the security situation in Jonglei and the need for political dialogue to prevent further deterioration.
The United Kingdom is one of South Sudan’s key diplomatic partners and has consistently called on the country’s political and military leaders to resolve disputes through dialogue and fully implement the provisions of the peace agreement.
No immediate response was available from the SPLA-IO regarding the SSPDF’s reported commitment to suspend offensive operations.
