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OTTAWA — As tensions rise in South Sudan, members of the country’s diaspora in Ottawa are calling attention to renewed violence and political instability in the world’s newest nation.
On March 31, approximately 80 South Sudanese Canadians gathered in Ottawa for a peaceful demonstration organized by the Canadian Peace Advocacy group. The protest, held in front of Parliament Hill and the Ugandan High Commission, aimed to highlight the targeting of Nuer civilians by the government of President Salva Kiir and the alleged involvement of Ugandan forces in South Sudan.
Organizers Gatluak Ruach, Margeret Alluker and Peter Bayiek coordinated the rally in solidarity with Nuer and South Sudanese communities across Ontario.
“We cannot wait for people to tell our story,” Ruach said. “The Canadian media is not covering it, but it is our responsibility to share our story and our history.”
The demonstration comes amid reports of escalating violence in the Upper Nile region. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, conflict in Nasir County displaced an estimated 52,000 people in March and resulted in the deaths of at least 68 combatants, including both government and opposition forces.
The conflict intensified following the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, a key opposition leader and signatory to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. His detention has fuelled fears of a breakdown in the peace deal that ended a five-year civil war and claimed nearly 400,000 lives.
When asked about the Canadian government’s response, Ruach said they have not heard directly from federal officials since the demonstration but emphasized the importance of collective unity among South Sudanese to build momentum.
“South Sudanese collectively need to unite to draw more attention to the conflict,” he said.
In a written response to Junub is South, Global Affairs Canada stated:
“Canada is deeply concerned by reports of the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar and the potential breakdown of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. We urge all parties to respect the commitments made under the peace agreement, prioritize dialogue and reconcile to prevent further escalation.”
The statement also noted that in March 2025, Canada committed $138 million in development assistance to South Sudan. The funding includes $123 million under Canada’s Africa Strategy and $15.5 million through the Women’s Voice and Leadership program. The aid is directed toward inclusive governance, gender equality, health, education, food security and economic resilience.
Alluker issued a call to action for the broader diaspora: “Your voice and support make a difference and bring change.”
As the threat of renewed civil war looms, South Sudanese Canadians continue to advocate for peace and urge international attention on the crisis.
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