Renewed Aerial Strikes in Nasir Raise Alarms over Civilian Safety in South Sudan
Nasir in Upper Nile State has faced increased aerial bombardments by the SSPDF and UPDF, leading to civilian casualties and market destruction. Activists call for an end to violence and international intervention as political tensions rise between South Sudan’s leaders.
Recent aerial bombardments have struck the town of Nasir in Upper Nile State, attributed to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF). This escalation occurs against a backdrop of increasing tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. This incident marks the second such airstrike in weeks, following a prior attack on March 17 that left 21 civilians, including women and children, dead.
Ugandan special forces have been deployed to South Sudan, with military officials stating their purpose is to secure Juba, the capital. There are allegations that the UPDF has been conducting airstrikes to support the SSPDF. South Sudan’s Defence Minister has expressed intentions to reclaim Nasir after the SSPDF lost ground to the White Army, a militia associated with Machar, on March 4.
Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep reported that a military aircraft bombed Nasir town around 3:30 AM on Wednesday, leading to serious injuries of a mother and her toddler. The commissioner accused both the SSPDF and UPDF of utilizing chemical weapons in their attacks, specifying that the bombing severely damaged the local market and wounded civilians.
Activist Edmund Yakani has condemned the violence and urged President Kiir to cease the airstrikes immediately to prevent further escalation into a broader conflict. He has called for accountability from both leaders and sought intervention from international bodies like the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN). Yakani emphasized the role of Uganda as a peace guarantor and urged restraint to avoid worsening the situation in South Sudan.
The situation in Nasir has escalated dramatically due to renewed aerial bombardments resulting in civilian injuries and significant property damage. Amid rising political tensions and accusations against the Ugandan military, local leaders have urged immediate action to prevent further violence. Activists emphasize the need for accountability and international intervention to address the ongoing crisis in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
