South Sudan could return to full-scale civil war if peace partners continue engaging in hostile activities, a spokesperson for the armed opposition (SPLM-IO) warned.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Monday, Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel disclosed that fresh clashes pitting government forces and those allied to the armed opposition in Upper Nile state had resumed, causing massive displacements and loss of lives as well as properties.

“On 20/03/2022 at about 8:30 am, SSPDF [South Sudan People’s Defence Forces] launched an aggressive simultaneous attack against the SPLA-IO positions at Jekou, Lolyang, WangKuarbiy and Kwerkeam in violation of the cessation of hostilities agreement signed on December 21, 2017”, he said.

The SPLM-IO official warned that such acts of military aggression were indications that the country could return to another war if government forces do not stop their hostilities by attacking positions of their forces.

“These continuous intentional aggressions against the SPLA-IO do not only show lack of political will, but also intent to take the country back to a full-scale war”, he stressed.

Lam said the SPLM/A-IO leadership has instructed their field commanders to remain vigilant as they seek the best possible solutions to end the crisis.

On Monday, the ceasefire monitoring body (CTSAMM) had to postpone its technical committee meeting after the armed opposition representatives in the entity walked out over alleged attacks in Unity and Upper Nile states.

The committee members has convened to discuss the implementation status of the security arrangements as well as review previous discussions.

Political analysts, however, say relations between President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar have never been rosy, causing delays in the implementation of key provisions in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

The two leaders, according to the observers, have not given priority to building trust and confidence between themselves and agree to work together in a harmonious way by ensuring that the spirit of reconciliation, compromise and dialogue embodied by the agreement is promoted.