UN Raises Alarm Over ‘Spare No-One’ Rhetoric by South Sudan Army Chief

The United Nations has expressed concern after South Sudan’s Deputy Army Chief, Gen. Johnson Oluny, was heard urging troops to “spare no-one,” including children and the elderly, ahead of military operations in opposition-held areas of Jonglei State.

In a video posted on Facebook, Oluny, addressing members of his Agwelek militia, called for total destruction during the deployment.

The UN Mission in South Sudan condemned the remarks, describing them as “utterly abhorrent,” and warned that inflammatory rhetoric targeting civilians must stop immediately.

South Sudan’s government, however, said the statement did not amount to an official order, insisting it remains committed to protecting civilians.

Minister of Information Ateny Wek Ateny said civilians were being warned only to avoid being caught in crossfire.

The development comes amid escalating fighting in Jonglei, where forces loyal to suspended Vice-President Riek Machar have seized several areas.

The military has ordered civilians, UN personnel and aid workers to evacuate three counties—Nyirol, Uror and Akobo—ahead of an imminent operation.

The UN says more than 180,000 people have been displaced by the renewed violence.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high as opposition forces threaten to advance towards the capital, Juba, a claim dismissed by the army.

South Sudan has been unstable since a 2018 peace deal ended a five-year civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people, but lingering political rivalry and ethnic tensions continue to threaten fragile peace.

Rwanda sues UK over scrapped migrant deal payments

The Rwandan government has initiated arbitration proceedings against the United Kingdom, seeking payments it says are owed under the now-abandoned asylum partnership agreement between both countries.

Rwanda has filed the case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, arguing that the UK failed to honour financial commitments contained in the deal signed under the former Conservative government.

The agreement, designed to relocate some asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda, was scrapped in 2024 by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with the Home Office saying about £220m in future payments would no longer be made.

UK authorities insist the policy was costly and ineffective, pledging to defend the case to protect taxpayers’ funds.

Rwanda, however, says the arbitration concerns unmet treaty obligations and is seeking a legal determination of both parties’ rights under international law.

The PCA lists the case as pending, with no timetable yet announced for hearings or a ruling.

Macron invites Chad’s Déby to Paris amid push to reset ties

French President Emmanuel Macron has invited Chadian President Mahamat Déby to Paris as both countries move to renew strained bilateral relations.

The invitation was conveyed by France’s Ambassador to Chad, Éric Gérard, during a meeting with Déby at the presidential palace in N’Djamena.

Chad’s Presidency confirmed Déby accepted the invitation, but did not disclose a date for the visit.

The move comes months after Chad terminated its defence agreement with France in November 2024, prompting the withdrawal of about 1,000 French troops from the country.

Relations had cooled as N’Djamena cited sovereignty concerns and shifting security needs, amid France’s waning influence across parts of West and Central Africa.

Chad said Monday’s talks focused on renewing cooperation through dialogue and mutual respect.