South Sudan’s main opposition party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), has called for an international investigation into alleged war crimes committed by government forces during recent clashes in northern regions of the country.
The SPLM-IO, led by Vice President Riek Machar, accused government troops of targeting areas under its influence, including the town of Nasir, where heavy fighting erupted last month. The conflict, which involved fierce clashes with the White Army militia—believed to be aligned with Machar—has intensified fears of renewed civil war in the fragile nation.
Pal Mai Deng, a spokesperson for the SPLM-IO, alleged that the government conducted aerial bombardments in Upper Nile State, including the use of “chemical weapons.” He urged the international community to urgently investigate what he described as a grave breach of international humanitarian law.
“These strikes have left entire communities in ruins and killed civilians, including women and children,” said Deng.
“We are calling on international bodies to send independent investigators to uncover the truth and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The allegations come on the heels of a report by Human Rights Watch, which documented the use of incendiary weapons by government forces in Upper Nile State. The report highlighted horrific injuries sustained by civilians and the destruction of critical infrastructure.
The recent surge in violence stems from long-standing political rivalry between Machar and President Salva Kiir. Although both leaders share power in a tenuous unity government, tensions remain high. Machar has reportedly been under a form of house arrest in Juba, raising further concerns over the stability of the peace process.
Fighting initially flared in March when rebel forces overran a military base in Nasir. In retaliation, government forces launched air raids and carried out attacks on opposition camps around Juba, deepening the rift within the transitional government.
Observers warn that continued hostilities could derail the already fragile roadmap toward elections scheduled for later this year. Humanitarian agencies also report that thousands have been displaced amid the renewed violence.
The United Nations and regional actors have yet to respond to the SPLM-IO’s latest call for an independent inquiry.