South Sudan Issues Ultimatum to White Army Amid Rising Tensions

South Sudan has warned the White Army to vacate military zones, particularly Nasir, or face military action. Tensions have escalated following clashes leading to deaths, with allegations of SPLM/A-IO support for the militia. Uganda has pledged military backing to President Kiir, emphasizing the need to restore stability amid fears of a return to civil war.

South Sudan has issued a firm directive to the White Army, a militia affiliated with the Nuer ethnic group, necessitating their immediate withdrawal from the military zones, including Nasir. The government has condemned their actions as acts of aggression against the South Sudanese Defence Forces (SSDF), particularly following violent incidents in which a UN crew member and an SSPDF general lost their lives.
Information Minister Michael Makuei stated that the White Army, despite claiming to be a civilian force, must return to their homes to avoid military repercussions. He emphasized that individuals remaining in military zones would be regarded as combatants, highlighting, “Any civilian who is in a military zone and refuses to leave will be treated accordingly.” He reinforced this by defining those who stay as a “negative force,” indicating that military action would ensue against them.
The conflict escalated when the White Army, related to Riek Machar, seized control of the strategic town of Nasir on March 3. In response, the South Sudanese government deployed warplanes to target the airstrip in Nasir, likely to obstruct any air supply deliveries to the militia. UN officials have expressed concerns that the current turmoil echoes the 2015 civil war, a period marked by significant political strife and humanitarian catastrophe, triggered by disputes between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar.
The recent clashes for control of Nasir have intensified tensions across the region, with the government accusing the SPLM/A-IO party of supporting the White Army’s advances, prompting security crackdowns and the arrest of opposition leaders. Machar contended that the ongoing intimidation and repression threaten the stability of the fragile peace agreement. He remarked on his prolonged house arrest, stating, “Many may not know, but I am probably the first vice president in the world who has been under house arrest for seven years and is still active in the government.”
In a show of support for President Kiir, Uganda has officially sanctioned the deployment of its military forces in South Sudan, emphasizing the need for intervention to restore order. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s army chief, asserted that any aggression against President Kiir would constitute a declaration of war against Uganda. The deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has been defended by South Sudan’s government, citing a longstanding military agreement aimed at combating negative forces, including the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

The situation in South Sudan remains precarious as the government clashes with the White Army, demanding their cessation of hostilities and withdrawal from military zones. The potential for further violence highlights underlying tensions reminiscent of past civil conflicts. The international community watches closely as Uganda reinforces its military presence in support of President Kiir, complicating the fragile political landscape. The looming threat of renewed conflict underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to restore stability in the region.

Original Source: chimpreports.com