Violent Clashes in South Sudan’s Nasir County Displace Thousands
Violence in Nasir County, South Sudan, has led to thousands of civilian displacements and numerous injuries, including that of a peacekeeper. The SSPDF’s recent attacks on civilians illustrate the unresolved political tensions and failure to implement peace agreements. Local communities are calling for a unified military force to ensure security and protect against further abuses. Without action, civilians will continue to face severe consequences from the conflict.
Recent violence in Nasir County, South Sudan, has raised alarm as the South Sudanese Army engages in violent confrontations resulting in the displacement of thousands of civilians. Starting on February 14, 2025, a series of attacks attributed to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) targeted civilians, specifically in crowded marketplaces. This escalation of conflict has led to numerous injuries, including that of a peacekeeper, while thousands have been forced to flee their homes. The ongoing conflict also involves the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLA/IO).
The violence highlights the critical failure to address past abuses and implement essential security measures laid out in South Sudan’s 2018 revitalized peace agreement. Issues such as security sector reform, disarmament, and the unification of various armed factions remain unresolved. Political disagreements have rendered the situation precarious, with a lack of cohesive military forces contributing to frequent clashes between government troops and armed groups.
Local communities in Nasir have expressed a strong desire for the establishment of a unified military force in place of the national defense troops, who have been implicated in civilian abuses. Following the recent escalation on February 22, authorities began deploying allied ethnic militias, raising concerns among the local youth regarding forced disarmament and potential attacks. The military has dismissed claims of planned disarmament and has accused the SPLA/IO of inciting violence among young people.
As tensions continued to rise, on February 25, the SSPDF conducted airstrikes targeting SPLA/IO positions, which inadvertently affected civilian areas and exacerbated the risk of a broader conflict. Such actions contravene international humanitarian law, which prohibits indiscriminate attacks that do not distinguish between military objectives and civilian populations, potentially constituting war crimes.
To safeguard civilians, it is imperative for authorities to enhance protective measures and rebuild trust between communities and the SSPDF, incorporating community input into security strategies and ensuring accountability for past abuses. The international community is urged to support efforts towards accountability and protection. Without urgent and decisive measures, civilians will continue to suffer the most severe consequences of the ongoing conflict.
To summarize, the alarming violence in Nasir County, South Sudan, has led to significant civilian displacement and injury. The ongoing conflict stems from unresolved political and security issues that jeopardize community safety. Urgent action is required from both the local authorities and the international community to restore order and protect the civilian population from further harm, focusing on accountability and community engagement in security reforms.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
