Clashes in Nasir County Displace Civilians and Raise Security Concerns

Violence has erupted between the SSPDF and the White Army in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, resulting in civilian casualties and mass displacement. Local leaders express concerns about the targeting of civilians and call for adherence to peace agreements. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military operations and escalating fears among the communities.

Clashes have erupted in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the local armed group known as the White Army. These confrontations have resulted in an unspecified number of casualties and have compelled numerous residents to seek refuge elsewhere. The violence, reportedly initiated early on Monday, is characterized by heavy machine gun fire and air strikes, prompting significant concern among local communities.

Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a youth leader, expressed to Radio Tamazuj that the violence has inflicted civilian casualties and displaced individuals into surrounding areas for their safety. “The government soldiers told us yesterday that there would be no fighting, and we agreed. Our people returned, but surprisingly, this morning, they started to shell us in the town with their big machine guns, and they also bombed us by planes,” he shared. The precise death toll remains unclear, but the situation is alarming.

Chuol, presently in Nasir town, accused government forces of endangering civilians and undermining peace initiatives. “We, the people of Nasir, feel that we are not part of South Sudan because of what is being done to us here,” he remarked, highlighting the sense of alienation felt by the residents. The security situation in the area has remained precarious since mid-February, following earlier encounters between the SSPDF and the White Army.

The recent tensions have intensified with the government’s deployment of additional forces, including General Johnson Olony’s Agwelek militia, raising alarms among local communities about potential escalations in violence. These communities have called for the deployment of the Necessary Unified Force, as stipulated in the 2018 peace agreement, instead of the current military forces.

Gatluak Lew, the Nasir County Commissioner, confirmed that the fighting is ongoing but refrained from providing further details, citing a lack of information. Similarly, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang acknowledged the military operations in Nasir County while indicating that details are still being gathered, stating, “My boss is still waiting for the operation commander to provide him with the latest updates—there is a problem with the network.”

Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), warned that the renewed hostilities jeopardize the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and its recent extension. He stated, “The renewed fighting between the SSPDF and the White Army began yesterday at around 4 PM when a member of the White Army went to Nasir town and was shot dead by elements of the SSPDF,” urging both factions to adhere to the 2017 ceasefire and engage in dialogue to avert further escalation.

Gatwech emphasized that both political leaders would bear responsibility if the nation slips back into full-scale conflict, urging a professional approach from the SSPDF as the national army and calling for the government to prioritize civilian safety. Radio Tamazuj will continue to monitor and update this situation as more information becomes available.

In summary, the ongoing clashes in Nasir County between the SSPDF and the White Army have resulted in casualties and significant civilian displacement. Local leaders have called for peace and adherence to prior agreements to facilitate dialogue and prevent further escalation. Concerns regarding the targeting of civilians have been raised, highlighting the urgent need for effective peacekeeping measures and governmental accountability.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org