A commander of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and a UN crew member were killed during a botched evacuation in Nasir County. Clashes between SSPDF and the White Army prompted the operation, which was marred by violence. The incident highlights ongoing political tensions and security challenges in South Sudan as the country approaches its first post-independence elections.
A commander from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and a member of a United Nations crew were killed on Friday morning in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, due to gunfire directed at a UN helicopter involved in an evacuation mission. This operation aimed to airlift the SSPDF soldiers, including General Majur Dak, who had been stranded amidst ongoing clashes with the White Army, a local armed group.
Earlier this week, the White Army, composed mainly of Nuer youth, had taken control of Nasir, capturing the military barracks in the area. The SSPDF has alleged that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) is responsible for instigating the conflict, which has exacerbated tensions between these groups. This situation has led to the arrest of senior SPLM-IO officials in Juba on related accusations.
Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a White Army commander, indicated to Radio Tamazuj that the evacuation attempt was unsuccessful, resulting in the death of General Majur during the operation. Puok Both Baluang, spokesperson for First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, confirmed both fatalities. He provided details on the evacuation, stating that local leaders had instructed the SSPDF soldiers to exit their armored vehicles when the helicopter arrived, but actions taken by the troops led to violence.
Baluang remarked that upon General Majur exiting the military vehicle, chaotic actions by SSPDF soldiers resulted in an exchange of gunfire with the White Army, leading to several casualties, including additional SPLA soldiers. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) acknowledged the incident, reporting the loss of one crew member and serious injuries to two others from their team. The mission recognized the necessity of the evacuation, conducted at the request of all involved parties.
The UNMISS strongly condemned the assault on its personnel, labeling it “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime. Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, expressed profound sorrow over the fatalities and urged a thorough investigation into the incident, advocating for dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.
This incident highlights the precarious security situation in South Sudan as the nation approaches its first post-independence elections scheduled for December 2026. Despite the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a prolonged civil conflict, significant political tensions persist, and integrating disparate armed factions into a cohesive national army continues to be fraught with challenges.
The tragic events in Nasir County illustrate the ongoing volatility in South Sudan, reflecting deep-rooted political tensions and the complexities of military operations. The recent violence underscores the urgent need for effective dialogue and conflict resolution strategies among South Sudan’s leadership and various factions. As the nation prepares for its elections, the importance of stabilizing the security landscape becomes paramount to preventing further loss of life and facilitating a smoother political transition.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
