South Sudan Conducts Air Strikes Amid Rising Tensions with Rebels
South Sudan has launched air strikes on rebel positions in Nasir County amid rising tensions between government forces and opposition groups, threatening a fragile peace agreement. Over 20 individuals may have perished in the strikes. The government accuses Machar’s forces of inciting violence with the White Army’s help, raising international alarm about the potential regression in stability.
On Monday, South Sudan revealed it had conducted air strikes targeting rebel positions in Nasir County, amid rising tensions between government and opposition forces. This escalation raises significant concerns regarding the stability of the peace-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, initially established in 2018 after a devastating civil war that claimed nearly 400,000 lives.
Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth reported that the air force executed these strikes as part of broader security operations. He acknowledged the possibility of civilian casualties, indicating that there was little recourse the government could take in such cases. Local reports have indicated that over 20 individuals, including children, lost their lives in the bombardment.
The conflict in Nasir County has heightened animosities between Kiir’s and Machar’s factions, jeopardizing the fragile peace established in 2018. Government officials have accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the White Army—a militia comprised of youth from the Nuer ethnic group—contributing to the region’s violence. Recently, a significant number of White Army fighters reportedly captured a military base in Nasir, further elevating tensions.
The circumstances deteriorated further after an attempted UN rescue mission led to the deaths of a UN helicopter pilot and a senior South Sudanese military general. In this volatile climate, Lueth confirmed the presence of Ugandan forces in Juba, a move which had previously been denied, asserting their involvement was under a military agreement.
The intensifying violence has prompted alarm from international bodies, with the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan highlighting a concerning regression in the country’s progress towards stability, casting doubts over the longevity of peace in the region.
In summary, South Sudan’s recent air strikes against rebel positions signify a troubling escalation of violence that endangers the fragile peace accords established in 2018. With growing civilian casualties and international concerns regarding stability, the situation remains precarious. The involvement of external forces further complicates the dynamics, highlighting the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts to secure peace and safeguard civilian lives.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
