Human Rights Watch urges global condemnation over alleged use of incendiary weapons in South Sudan

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the international community to condemn South Sudan’s reported use of incendiary weapons in civilian areas, as violence escalates in the country’s Upper Nile state.

According to a report by Africanews, HRW researcher Nyagoah Tut Pur said government airstrikes have severely damaged towns including Mathiang, Longekuch, and Nasir—areas where the use of incendiary weapons is prohibited under international law when civilians are present.

While South Sudan is not a signatory to the protocol banning such weapons, Human Rights Watch said their reported deployment underscores the urgent need for stronger global enforcement mechanisms.

Satellite imagery has revealed widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure linked to the strikes.

The country’s main opposition, led by Vice President Riek Machar—currently under house arrest—has called for an international investigation into the alleged rights violations.

Fighting between government forces and the White Army militia, which is believed to support Machar, has intensified since March, posing a serious threat to the 2018 peace agreement.

HRW further urged the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to establish bases in vulnerable areas, warning that peacekeepers cannot operate effectively without adequate security assurances.