Tue Mar 25 21:00:00 UTC 2025: **UN Warns of Impending Civil War in South Sudan as Barrel Bomb Attacks Escalate**

JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN – The United Nations has issued a stark warning that escalating violence in South Sudan, fueled by alleged barrel bomb attacks, is pushing the country to the brink of another civil war. Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), reported that recent fighting between the army and a rebel militia, the White Army, in Upper Nile State has resulted in persistent aerial bombardments using barrel bombs containing a highly flammable liquid. These attacks have caused significant casualties and horrific burns, according to Haysom.

The attacks followed clashes between government forces and the White Army at a military base in Nasir. Eyewitnesses, including local leaders and aid workers, have reported the use of these unusual weapons, with some alleging the presence of ethyl acetate, a highly flammable chemical, at the attack sites. While the South Sudanese government has not responded to allegations of barrel bomb use, government spokesman Michael Makuei confirmed a military operation in the region, claiming it targeted only White Army positions and caused no civilian harm. Haysom strongly refuted this, stating that the attacks have displaced an estimated 63,000 people and caused widespread suffering among civilians.

The violence comes amidst rising tensions ahead of next year’s elections, exacerbated by rampant misinformation and hate speech. The situation is further complicated by accusations from Vice President Riek Machar, who alleges that neighboring Uganda has violated a UN arms embargo by conducting airstrikes within South Sudan. Uganda has previously confirmed deploying troops to South Sudan at the request of President Salva Kiir’s government, a claim Juba denies.

The 2018 peace agreement, intended to end a five-year civil war that claimed nearly 400,000 lives, is seemingly unraveling. The recent arrests of several of Machar’s senior allies have further strained relations between the president and vice president. UNMISS is currently engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to widespread conflict, but the situation remains critical. The potential for another civil war in South Sudan poses a significant threat to regional stability, Haysom warned.

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