Weeks of violence in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State have displaced thousands, forcing many to seek refuge near a temporary base set up by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The unrest erupted in Tambura and surrounding areas but has since subsided, according to UNMISS.
Monica Zeferina, a displaced resident, shared her ordeal with peacekeepers, saying, “We have been in the bush for about two weeks now… We don’t know the armed men killing our people. We can’t move because we lack transportation to carry our children to safety. It’s difficult for us.” 
Colonel Shams Sittique, a senior military observer with UNMISS, confirmed that the mission continues to monitor the region and work toward restoring stability.
Meanwhile, in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, progress was made on the political front. UNMISS facilitated a three-day Political Parties’ Forum in Aweil, where eight political parties and seven civil society organizations signed an action plan to ensure free and fair elections in 2026.
Guang Cong, UNMISS Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, emphasized the importance of an open civic space, stating, “An inclusive and participatory environment is critical to allow political actors to assemble, register parties, access media, and campaign without obstruction.”
South Sudan’s government recently postponed the elections initially scheduled for December 2024 to December 22, 2026. Officials cited the need to complete key processes, including a census, a permanent constitution, and party registrations.
This marks the second delay since the transitional period began in February 2020.
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