The United Nations has raised alarm over the use of barrel bombs containing highly flammable liquids in South Sudan, as escalating violence threatens to plunge the world's youngest nation back into civil war.

The warning comes amid renewed clashes between government forces and the rebel militia known as the White Army in the oil-rich Upper Nile State.

Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), expressed deep concern over the increasing violence and its devastating humanitarian impact.

“A conflict would erase all the hard-won gains made since the 2018 peace deal was signed. It would devastate not only South Sudan but the entire region, which simply cannot afford another war,” he warned.

Barrel Bomb Attacks: Indiscriminate and Devastating

The latest violence centers around the town of Nasir in Upper Nile State, where the White Army militia recently overran a military base. In response, government forces allegedly launched aerial bombardments using barrel bombs filled with highly flammable chemicals.

According to local leaders and eyewitness accounts:

• The bombs caused significant casualties and horrific burn injuries, including to women and children.
• Ethyl acetate, a volatile and flammable compound, was reportedly found at attack sites.
• Over 63,000 civilians have been displaced, with many fleeing to neighboring regions.

James Gatluak Lew, Nasir County Commissioner, confirmed the use of “chemical bombardments” by state forces and their allies.

“These indiscriminate attacks on civilians are causing horrific injuries,” Haysom said.

Government Denial Amid Rising Tensions

Despite mounting evidence, the South Sudanese government has denied targeting civilians. Government spokesman Michael Makuei claimed the operation targeted White Army positions alone.

“The bombardment was strictly against White Army positions and did not harm civilians,” he said.

However, local leaders and humanitarian groups dispute this. Edmund Yakani, head of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), reported hearing about the use of “unusual weapons” from multiple eyewitnesses.

“Business informants and community leaders have confirmed the use of these chemical devices,” Yakani stated.

Ethnic Tensions Fuel the Conflict

The conflict in South Sudan has long been marked by deep ethnic divisions, primarily between President Salva Kiir's Dinka group and Vice-President Riek Machar's Nuer community.

• The White Army militia fought alongside Machar during the 2013 civil war, which left nearly 400,000 dead.
• Recent arrests of Machar's top allies in March further strained the fragile peace agreement.
• As the country nears elections next year, misinformation and hate speech have intensified ethnic divisions.

“Rampant misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech are ratcheting up tensions and driving ethnic divisions,” Haysom added.

Uganda Accused of Violating UN Arms Embargo

In a dramatic twist, Vice-President Riek Machar has accused neighboring Uganda of violating the UN arms embargo on South Sudan.

In a letter addressed to the UN, the African Union, and IGAD, Machar alleged:

• Ugandan forces conducted airstrikes against civilians in Nasir, Longechuk, and Ulang in Upper Nile State.
• Uganda's military intervention violates the 2018 peace agreement.

Uganda confirmed deploying troops to South Sudan at the request of President Kiir, but Juba denied making such a request.

UN Peacekeepers on High Alert

The UNMISS oversees an estimated 18,000 peacekeepers in South Sudan. As tensions rise, the mission is ramping up diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to full-scale civil war.

“We are engaging in intense shuttle diplomacy to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control,” Haysom said.

Implications for the Region

A renewed civil war in South Sudan would have severe implications for East Africa. The region is already grappling with instability, economic hardship, and a growing refugee crisis. Neighboring countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, and Sudan, could see an influx of refugees if violence continues to escalate.