The United People’s Alliance (UPA) has condemned the South Sudan government for collective punishment against Upper Nile civilians amid ongoing violence. The UPA demands an end to these attacks, calls for the release of detained officials, and urges support from the international community for peace efforts in the region.
The United People’s Alliance (UPA) has formally condemned the Government of South Sudan for what it describes as the collective punishment of the Upper Nile populace. Established in January, the UPA consists of the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) and other groups engaged in peace negotiations mediated by the Kenyan government. General Pa’gan Amum Okiech leads the alliance as Chairperson and Commander-in-Chief.
Recent events in Upper Nile State witnessed the bombardment of the town of Nasir by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), which employed incendiary bombs, resulting in civilian casualties and fires. Eyewitness reports indicate that 21 civilians, including women and children, perished in the attacks, which local residents attribute to the SSPDF and allied Ugandan military forces. The SSPDF and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) have conducted similar airstrikes in additional locations, including Longechuk and Akobo.
In a statement authored by Lual Dau, the UPA’s Secretary General, the alliance criticized the government’s reliance on foreign troops for suppressing its citizens and returning the nation to conflict. The UPA described the recent bombardments as a form of collective punishment that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as women and children, branding it as horrific and genocidal.
The UPA urged regional and international entities to recognize the failure of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), and emphasized the urgent need for peace and sustainable resolutions to the ongoing crises. The alliance condemned the actions of the government and called for an immediate halt to the violence that has afflicted the lives and properties of Upper Nile residents.
The UPA implored opposition movements, especially youth, to refrain from engaging in criminal activities and instead work towards peaceful resolutions alongside the alliance. They also reiterated the need for political and civil society actors to protest against the government’s use of foreign forces. Additionally, the UPA called for the release of First Vice President Dr. Rick Machar and other detained senior SPLM/A 10 officials.
In conclusion, the United People’s Alliance has vocally criticized the South Sudan government for its collective punishment of the Upper Nile people amidst ongoing violence and bombings. The UPA calls for significant changes, urging the region and international community to support peace efforts and condemning the oppressive tactics employed by the government. Their appeal for solidarity and the release of detained officials highlights the urgent need for dialogue and peaceful resolution in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
