Violence has erupted in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, as clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and the White Army have escalated, causing civilian casualties and forcing residents to flee. Local leaders demand civilian protection and adherence to peace agreements amid the ongoing turmoil.
Reports indicate that Nasir County, located in Upper Nile State, is currently facing intense clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the local armed group known as the White Army. This violent conflict has resulted in numerous civilian casualties and has forced many residents to seek safety in surrounding areas. Witnesses describe ongoing fighting characterized by heavy machine gunfire and aerial bombardment.
A local youth leader, Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, relayed the situation to Radio Tamazuj, explaining that the violence began unexpectedly despite prior assurances from government soldiers that fighting would cease. “Our people returned, but surprisingly, this morning, they started to shell us in the town with their big machine guns, and they also bombed us by planes,” he stated, highlighting the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The security situation in Upper Nile State has been deteriorating since mid-February, following previous clashes between SSPDF and the White Army. Tensions have intensified with the government’s recent deployment of additional forces, including members of the Agwelek militia led by General Johnson Olony, raising fears among local communities of potential civilian targeting.
Commissioner Gatluak Lew confirmed the ongoing clashes in Nasir but refrained from providing detailed information. SSPDF spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, acknowledged the military actions in the area, stating that they are still in the process of gathering further information about the situation.
Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, underscored the risks associated with the renewed violence, warning it undermines the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). He indicated that this violence escalated after an incident involving a White Army member shot by SSPDF forces. He emphasized the necessity for dialogue to avert further conflict, stating that both political leaders would hold responsibility for any return to war.
In summary, the clashes in Nasir County between the SSPDF and the White Army have resulted in civilian casualties and mass displacement. Local leaders are calling for efforts to protect civilians and dialogue to resolve tensions, as the violence risks derailing peace agreements. The situation requires careful monitoring and responsible action from all involved parties.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
