Delay in Airlifting SSPDF Troops from Nasir Amid Rising Tensions

The planned airlifting of SSPDF troops from Nasir County was delayed due to coordination failures among local officials and commanders. Clashes with the White Army resulted in significant casualties, highlighting the ongoing violence. The situation remains tense as South Sudan progresses towards future elections under challenging political dynamics.

The anticipated airlifting of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops from Nasir County, Upper Nile State, did not occur due to insufficient coordination among local officials, commanders of the White Army, and the SPLA-IO. The airlift was part of an initiative by SPLM-IO leaders in Juba aimed at rescuing stranded SSPDF personnel following violent clashes with the White Army, which had recently taken control of the town and its military barracks.

Accusations of conflict orchestration by SPLM-IO leaders against the SSPDF leadership have escalated hostilities between the factions, resulting in the detention of several senior SPLM-IO officials in Juba. The retraction of troops was considered a move towards easing these heightened tensions. Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a White Army commander in Nasir, indicated that the airlift of SSPDF commander Gen. Majuk Nyok was delayed due to the unavailability of Nasir County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep.

The UN-chartered aircraft required for evacuation has not arrived yet. Yien Bonbon, also from the White Army, reiterated that the evacuation would commence upon the aircraft’s arrival, stating that coordination with the commissioner is expected. The local community in Nasir is reportedly divided about the evacuation of Gen. Majur Manyok, with some opposing and others supporting his departure to mitigate tensions in the area.

In the recent skirmishes, over 40 members of the White Army have died, according to Ter, leading to their seizure of the military base. Many women and children have fled to safer areas, including Ethiopia, due to the ongoing conflict. Yien Bonbon confirmed these casualties and indicated that the security environment in Nasir has become stable, with the White Army maintaining its position in the seized military camp.

South Sudan continues to grapple with unifying its diverse armed factions under a national army framework as part of the 2018 peace treaty. Despite the cessation of active hostilities, political tensions persist as the country approaches its forthcoming post-independence elections slated for December 2026.

The delay in the airlifting of SSPDF troops from Nasir underscores the complex dynamics between armed groups in South Sudan and the critical need for improved coordination among local officials. The ongoing violence has had severe humanitarian impacts, forcing community members to flee. The reported fatalities among the White Army highlight the urgent need for conflict resolution in the area. Lastly, the country remains at a pivotal moment as it strives to reconcile and unify its military factions while preparing for future elections.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org