The airlifting of SSPDF troops from Nasir County has been postponed due to a lack of coordination among local officials and military leaders. This delay comes after recent clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, resulting in over 40 fatalities. Community divisions exist regarding the evacuation of military personnel, while ongoing political tensions and humanitarian needs persist as South Sudan prepares for upcoming elections.
The anticipated airlifting of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops from Nasir County was postponed due to poor coordination among local authorities, White Army commanders, and SPLA-IO members. This evacuation aimed to alleviate tensions after recent confrontations between the SSPDF and the White Army, a group primarily composed of Nuer youth, which gained control of a military barracks in the area.
The SSPDF leadership has accused SPLM-IO leaders of instigating the conflict, exacerbating the strife between the factions. This accusation resulted in the detention of several senior SPLM-IO officials in Juba, complicating attempts to ease tensions. The troop withdrawal was viewed as a significant move toward de-escalation.
Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a White Army commander, disclosed that the airlift of SSPDF commander Gen. Majuk Nyok was delayed due to the unavailability of the Nasir County Commissioner, Gatluak Lew Thiep. The UN-chartered aircraft, necessary for the airlift, had not yet arrived, with the commander’s forces still stationed at the military barracks.
Yien Bonbon, another White Army member, echoed the delay, indicating the evacuation would commence upon the aircraft’s arrival. The community in Nasir is reportedly divided on evacuating Gen. Majur Manyok, with some opposed to the move and others advocating for it to diffuse tensions.
Recent clashes have resulted in over 40 casualties among White Army members, according to Ter. Many local women and children have fled to safety due to the violence. Ter was uncertain about SSPDF fatalities. Yien Bonbon confirmed the toll, sharing that approximately 77 individuals were injured, while highlighting the urgent need for food and water assistance for displaced citizens.
Despite the challenges, Yien noted that the security situation in Nasir has stabilized, as the White Army remains positioned at the military camp they captured. South Sudan continues to grapple with the integration of armed groups into a cohesive national army, a crucial element of the 2018 peace agreement. Political tensions persist as the country approaches its first post-independence elections set for December 2026.
The airlifting of SSPDF troops from Nasir has been delayed due to coordination issues among local officials and military leaders, highlighting ongoing tensions between the SSPDF and the White Army. While the security situation has calmed, significant casualties have occurred, stressing the community’s urgent need for assistance. South Sudan’s struggle to integrate armed factions into a unified military remains a critical challenge, amidst a backdrop of political unease as elections approach in December 2026.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
