South Sudan Government Urges Civilian Evacuation Amid Escalating Conflict
The South Sudanese government has advised civilians to evacuate northern areas following military strikes against an armed group, risking the fragile peace agreement enacted in 2018. Civilian casualties have been reported amid ongoing clashes involving government forces and the armed group known as the White Army, associated with the vice-president. Tensions are exacerbating as President Kiir’s recent actions against Machar’s supporters threaten the peace deal.
On Monday, the Government of South Sudan urged civilians to evacuate a northern area following military operations against an armed group responsible for a recent attack on a military base and a United Nations helicopter. This escalation in Nasir County poses a significant threat to the 2018 peace agreement, which ended a devastating five-year civil war that resulted in over 400,000 fatalities.
Michael Makuei Lueth, the Information Minister, warned that civilians who refuse to leave declared military zones will face serious consequences. He confirmed that air strikes had been conducted in Nasir County, with additional operations planned. Furthermore, local reports indicated that more than a dozen civilians died as a result of these bombings, although the army did not acknowledge the civilian casualties.
The ongoing conflict in Nasir County involves clashes between government troops and the armed group known as the White Army, believed to be linked to Riek Machar, the vice-president. Tensions escalated after President Salva Kiir dismissed officials loyal to Machar, leading to accusations from Machar’s faction regarding potential violations of the peace agreement. Earlier this month, government forces also surrounded Mr. Machar’s residence in Juba.
The situation in South Sudan remains perilous as government forces clash with armed groups, threatening the fragile peace established in 2018. As civilian casualties arise from military actions, the government emphasizes the need for evacuations from combat zones. The tense political landscape, marked by recent dismissals of key officials, suggests that the ongoing conflict could further jeopardize the stability and safety of the region.
Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk
