By Staff Reporter · South Sudan ·
Officials and civil society organisations in South Sudan have issued statements condemning remarks attributed to Gen. Johnson Olony, warning that such rhetoric risks exacerbating tensions in an already fragile security environment.
The comments, which circulated widely on social media and messaging platforms earlier this week, prompted criticism from political figures, rights advocates, and community leaders who said the language was inconsistent with efforts to stabilise affected regions.
Several civil society groups called on authorities to publicly clarify the remarks and reaffirm commitments to the protection of civilians and respect for human rights.
Calls for restraint
In separate statements, civic organisations urged all armed actors to exercise restraint in public communications, noting that inflammatory language can fuel fear, displacement, and retaliatory violence.
“Public statements by senior figures carry significant weight,” one advocacy group said, adding that leaders must be mindful of the broader impact of their words on communities affected by conflict.
Official response
As of Friday, authorities had not issued a formal clarification or response addressing the remarks attributed to Gen. Olony.
South Sudan Press has sought comment from relevant officials. Any response received will be published in full or reflected in updates to this report.
Context
South Sudan has experienced repeated cycles of violence since independence, with armed confrontations often accompanied by heightened ethnic and political tensions. Analysts note that public rhetoric by military and political figures can have direct consequences for security on the ground.