Escalating Violence Displaces Thousands in South Sudan’s Nasir County
Recent violence in Nasir County, South Sudan, has displaced thousands amid clashes between the SSPDF and local youth. The conflict reignited following an SSPDF attack on civilians, exacerbating existing tensions attributed to unaddressed grievances from a past peace deal. Local leaders advocate for dialogue to restore trust, while the potential for war crimes under international law looms due to the army’s actions.
An alarming escalation of violence is currently unfolding in South Sudan’s Nasir County, Upper Nile State, jeopardizing community safety and threatening deeper regional crises. Since early 2024, tensions between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and local armed youth have intensified. The latest wave of confrontations began on February 14, 2025, when the SSPDF targeted civilians in a marketplace, resulting in numerous injuries and significant displacement among the local populace.
The current situation in Nasir emphasizes the urgent need for effective security reforms and the implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. Without addressing past abuses and unifying military forces, the potential for further violence remains high. International support is crucial in ensuring accountability and enhancing civilian protection to prevent the ongoing crisis from escalating further.
Original Source: www.hrw.org