The planned airlift of SSPDF troops from Nasir was delayed due to coordination failures among officials and local leaders following violent clashes. The situation remains tense, with accusations traded between factions, and casualties have been reported. The White Army has temporarily stabilized the area, but broader challenges persist as South Sudan prepares for upcoming elections.
The airlifting of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops from Nasir County was postponed due to poor coordination among local officials and leaders of the White Army and SPLA-IO. This operation, initiated by SPLM-IO leaders in Juba, was intended to ease tensions following recent clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, which resulted in the latter seizing control of Nasir’s military barracks.
The SSPDF leadership has claimed that SPLM-IO leaders instigated the conflict in Nasir, leading to arrests of several senior SPLM-IO officials in Juba and exacerbating hostilities. The decision to airlift the troops was viewed as a crucial move to alleviate tensions in the area. Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a White Army commander, indicated that the absence of Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep caused the delay.
Confirmation of the delay was also given by Yien Bonbon from the White Army, who stated that the evacuation would commence upon the arrival of the aircraft. He noted that discussions with the commissioner were planned to resolve matters regarding the delayed airlift.
Local sentiments regarding the airlifting of SSPDF commander Gen. Majur Manyok are mixed, with some residents opposing his evacuation to Malakal or Juba to maintain order. While a minority support his departure to mitigate tensions, others want stability to return.
The clashes have resulted in over 40 fatalities among the White Army, according to Ter, who mentioned that women and children fled into the nearby bushes and Ethiopia to escape the violence. Yien Bonbon corroborated this, stating that many individuals require humanitarian assistance as they return.
Currently, the security situation in Nasir has stabilized with the White Army in control of the military camp, although South Sudan continues to face significant integration challenges among its armed factions as it approaches its first post-independence elections in December 2026, despite being formally at peace since the 2018 agreement.
The airlifting of SSPDF troops from Nasir has encountered delays due to coordination issues among local officials, raising tensions between SSPDF and SPLM-IO. The clashes have caused over 40 casualties among the White Army and significant disruptions to local communities. The security situation is currently stable, but ongoing integration issues within South Sudan’s armed factions remain a challenge as the nation approaches key political milestones.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
