Amnesty International expressed concern Tuesday about the lack of political will in South Sudan to address ongoing violations of international human rights law amid escalating violence from both internal and cross-border actors. Reports indicate mounting attacks on civilians, political repression, and the increasing risk of a wider war.

In February, heavy fighting erupted in Upper Nile state between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army, a youth militia. The fighting resulted in the mass displacement of civilians, with allegations that government forces instigated the violence by attacking civilians. There are also suspicions of a premeditated attack, followed by aerial bombardment targeting densely populated areas. Reports further found child recruitment by both the SSPDF and the White Army, deepening concerns over human rights abuses.

On March 11, a spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) confirmed the deployment of special forces in South Sudan to support President Salva Kiir, citing “growing insecurity in the country.” Amnesty said Uganda may have violated the 2018 UN Security Council arms embargo by entering South Sudan with armored units.

On March 18, Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) also fought a two-day battle near the border in Upper Nile state against the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), the South Sudanese faction led by Vice President Riek Machar.

Amnesty also raised concerns about the widespread arbitrary detentions that have taken place in the country. Armed forces reportedly stormed the residence of Machar and detained him on March 28, accusing him of inciting his supporters to rebel against the government in an alleged attempt to disrupt the upcoming elections. Since mid-February, at least 22 political and military personnel aligned with Machar have been arrested, and Human Rights Watch has urged the authorities to reveal their whereabouts.

In 2018, President Salva Kiir and the opposition parties signed a peace deal that ended the civil war. With South Sudan now on the brink of another civil war, Amnesty International and international organizations are urging the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan to take immediate action, saying “the alternative is too terrible to contemplate.” The commission on March 28 also called on parties to adhere to the peace deal.