Nasir, in Upper Nile State, has faced renewed airstrikes by SSPDF and UPDF, amid tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Recent attacks have caused civilian casualties. Activists demand an end to the assaults and call for accountability from the leaders to prevent escalation into war.
The town of Nasir, located in Upper Nile State, has recently experienced a new series of airstrikes, with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF) initiating attacks early this morning. This situation has escalated amidst increasing tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, marking the second attack of this nature in recent weeks.
On March 17, a prior bombardment resulted in the deaths of at least 21 civilians, including women and children. Uganda’s military has deployed special forces to South Sudan, with declarations from its military leadership indicating these troops’ purpose is to secure Juba, the capital. Allegations have arisen that the UPDF is conducting airstrikes in support of the SSPDF, heightening concerns about regional stability.
The South Sudan Defence Minister expressed intentions to reclaim Nasir after White Army forces had previously overrun the military base there on March 4, indicating a shift in control. The White Army, associated with Riek Machar, overtook the town following intense confrontations with the SSPDF.
Nasir County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep reported multiple bombs dropped in Nasir at approximately 3:30 AM on Wednesday. He accused both the South Sudanese and Ugandan militaries of deploying chemical weapons during this aerial assault, which resulted in severe injuries to a mother and her two-year-old child.
The commissioner noted that two individuals were critically hurt, with the mother potentially recovering, while the child’s prognosis was grim. Additionally, an explosive impacted the local market, demolishing several shops and notably affecting tea-selling stalls, indicating considerable damage to local commerce.
Edmund Yakani, a prominent South Sudanese civil society advocate, condemned the airstrikes, urging the leadership to stop what he referred to as “inhuman and degrading acts” against the civilian populace in Nasir County. He implored President Kiir to cease ongoing bombings, emphasizing the risks of escalating violence into a full-scale war, potentially drawing in foreign entities.
Yakani ascribed primary responsibility for continuing violence to both President Kiir and First Vice President Machar and called for accountability mechanisms to be put in place. Furthermore, he requested intervention from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) to prevent further suffering among civilians.
He expressed concern regarding Uganda’s role as a peace guarantor while simultaneously being implicated in violations of peace agreements. Yakani cautioned that under these circumstances, South Sudan faces an increased risk of descending further into conflict and urged for immediate cessation of hostilities and protection of human rights.
The conflict in Nasir, driven by escalating tensions between key leaders in South Sudan, has led to renewed airstrikes, resulting in civilian casualties and destruction of property. The involvement of Ugandan forces raises serious concerns about the humanitarian implications of their actions. Civil society advocates are calling for immediate cessation of violence and accountability from the leaders to prevent further deterioration of the situation and safeguard the welfare of civilians. Regional and international intervention is deemed necessary to halt the ongoing crisis.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
