South Sudan’s government has urged the White Army to vacate military zones, particularly Nasir, or face military consequences. Accusations against the White Army of waging war have intensified following recent clashes. The government, supported by Uganda, emphasizes the need for order amidst rising tensions and historical parallels to prior civil conflict.
The government of South Sudan has issued a decisive ultimatum to the White Army, a militia group comprised of Nuer civilians, demanding their immediate evacuation from military zones, particularly Nasir. This directive follows escalating violence between the White Army and government forces in the Upper Nile region, leading to significant casualties, including a UN crew member and a general of the South Sudanese Defence Forces (SSDF).
Information Minister Michael Makuei emphasized that any civilian remaining in a military area would be classified as a combatant, reinforcing the government’s position that they would employ necessary force to restore order. Makuei stated, “Any civilian who is in a military zone and refuses to leave will be treated accordingly,” directing a clear message to the White Army and calling for their return to civilian life.
The White Army recently captured the strategic town of Nasir, escalating tensions and leading to military engagement. To counter this, South Sudan utilized air strikes on an airstrip in Nasir to potentially disrupt the militia’s supply lines. Experts from the United Nations have cautioned that the current situation mirrors the precursor events to the 2015 civil war, which caused widespread displacement and atrocities.
The ongoing conflict for control over Nasir has prompted the South Sudanese government to accuse the SPLM/A-IO party of supporting the White Army’s offensive, resulting in increased security measures against opposition figures. Meanwhile, Riek Machar, the First Vice President, has criticized the government’s actions, highlighting his prolonged house arrest while still being politically active.
In a show of support for President Kiir, the Ugandan government has approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan. The army chief has declared that any action against Kiir would be treated as an act of war against Uganda. This military presence is justified by the South Sudanese government as part of a longstanding agreement to combat threats like the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
The situation in South Sudan remains precarious as the government demands the White Army’s withdrawal from military zones to avert further conflict. The tensions reflect a deepening crisis reminiscent of historical conflicts, with both domestic and foreign military dimensions. Uganda’s support for Kiir underscores the complexity of the power dynamics at play, with possible repercussions for national stability and regional security.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
