Archive · 19 Jan 2026
South Sudan opposition calls for march on Juba
The main opposition group in South Sudan, called SPLA-IO, has told its soldiers to march towards the capital city, Juba.
They recently took control of a nearby town called Pajut, which is about 300 kilometers away from Juba.
The leader of this group, Riek Machar, is currently in jail, accused of serious crimes.
The United Nations is worried because this fighting is getting worse, and many people are having to leave their homes.
There was a peace deal in 2018, but it seems like the fighting is starting again.
South Sudan's main opposition faction, SPLA-IO, called for a march on the capital Juba after capturing the strategic town of Pajut.
Pajut is located over 300 km north of Juba, putting the state capital of Bor within striking distance.
The call to advance on Juba signals an escalation in SPLA-IO's rhetoric following intense clashes across the country.
The 2018 peace deal between the government and opposition forces has been violated, with recent fighting reaching levels not seen since 2017.
Vice President Riek Machar, a key figure in the opposition, has been arrested and charged with treason and crimes against humanity.
- Who
- South Sudan's main opposition faction, SPLA-IO
- What
- Called for a march on the capital Juba after capturing a strategic town
- When
- January 19, 2024
- Where
- South Sudan, specifically Juba and Jonglei State
- Why
- To remove the current regime in Juba and capitalize on recent battlefield gains
- Opposition Group
- SPLA-IO
- Strategic Town Captured
- Pajut
- Distance from Juba
- 300 km (180 miles)
- State Capital Nearby
- Bor
- Previous Conflict
- 2013-18 civil war
- Peace Deal
- 2018
- Arrested Vice President
- Riek Machar
- Charges Against Machar
- Treason and crimes against humanity