A Human Rights–Based Response to Calls for Military Entry into Akobo By Ernest Ogwaro

The recent opinion by Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, urging the people of Akobo to raise white flags ahead of the entry of the South Sudan People’s Defiance Forces (SSPDF), has sparked national debate. While all South Sudanese desire peace and stability, the methods used to pursue these goals must protect civilians, uphold human rights, and avoid actions that could place communities at further risk.
Civilian Protection Is Paramount
International humanitarian and human rights principles are clear: civilians must never be placed in situations where they may be mistaken for participants in a conflict. Encouraging residents to raise white flags in anticipation of a military operation risks blurring the line between civilians and combatants. Such gestures, even when intended as peaceful, can be misinterpreted by armed actors and expose innocent people to harm.
The people of Akobo—like all communities across South Sudan—possess an inherent right to life, dignity, and security. These rights cannot depend on public displays of loyalty to any armed force or political authority. Civilian neutrality is a cornerstone of humanitarian protection and must be respected by all parties.
Military Presence Alone Cannot Deliver Peace.
South Sudan’s recent history demonstrates that deploying armed forces, without accompanying political and social measures, does not produce sustainable peace. While the SSPDF has a legitimate role in maintaining national stability, military operations that are not paired with dialogue, accountability, and community engagement often deepen mistrust rather than resolve it.
Peace built on fear or symbolic submission is fragile. Peace built on justice, inclusion, and trust is enduring. If the goal is long‑term stability, then military movement must be accompanied by genuine political outreach and efforts to address the grievances that fuel conflict.
Dialogue and Inclusion Are Essential
The conflict dynamics in Jonglei and other regions involve complex relationships between government forces, the SPLA‑IO, and community‑based armed groups. Addressing these challenges requires inclusive peace processes that bring all stakeholders to the table—national leaders, local authorities, civil society, women’s groups, youth, and traditional elders.
Reconciliation cannot be achieved through unilateral declarations or symbolic gestures. It must be rooted in transparency, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to human dignity. Communities must feel heard, not coerced.
Avoiding Narratives That Divide Communities
Communities such as the Lou Nuer have long valued unity, resilience, and the preservation of life. These values should guide national conversations about security. Public narratives that portray certain groups as obstacles to peace risk inflaming tensions and undermining social cohesion.
Leaders and commentators must therefore choose their words carefully. In moments of national strain, rhetoric that pressures civilians or frames them as aligned with one side of a conflict can have dangerous consequences. Responsible communication is essential to preventing further suffering.
The Responsibility of Public Voices
Writers, political leaders, and community representatives carry significant influence. Their words can either calm tensions or escalate them. Calls that appear to encourage civilian participation in military operations—even symbolically—can unintentionally increase risks for vulnerable populations.
At a time when South Sudan is striving to rebuild trust between citizens and institutions, public voices should champion approaches that protect life, uphold human rights, and promote reconciliation.
A Path Toward Sustainable Peace
South Sudan’s future depends on placing human dignity at the centre of national policy. Protecting civilians, strengthening the rule of law, ensuring humanitarian access, and advancing inclusive political dialogue are essential steps toward lasting stability.
Rather than urging communities to signal submission to armed forces, national discourse should focus on addressing the root causes of conflict, building trust between citizens and the state, and supporting reconciliation across all regions.
Peace cannot be achieved through symbols or military movement alone. It must be constructed through justice, respect for human rights, and a shared commitment to the protection of every life. Only by embracing these principles can South Sudan move toward a future defined not by fear and division, but by unity, stability, and dignity for all.