South Sudan has warned the White Army to vacate military zones or face military action. Tensions have escalated after clashes in Nasir, leading to casualties among UN and government forces. The government’s stance against perceived combatants underscores the fragile security situation, which is aggravated by Uganda’s military support for President Kiir in response to growing unrest.
South Sudan’s government has issued a strong ultimatum to the White Army, a Nuer militia group, demanding they vacate the Nasir military zones or face military action. The government has directed the White Army to leave all assembly areas without delay, particularly focusing on Nasir, where significant clashes have taken place.
The White Army, which positions itself as a civilian entity, is accused of engaging in warfare against the South Sudanese Defence Forces (SSDF). Recent skirmishes in Nasir have resulted in the deaths of a UN personnel and an SSPDF general, inflaming the situation further.
Information Minister Michael Makuei stated, “The White Army that claims to be civilians and who have decided to take up arms against the government must go back to their respective home before we take any action.” He emphasized the consequences for civilians who fail to leave military zones, categorizing them as combatants under government scrutiny.
Tensions have escalated following the White Army’s capture of Nasir on March 3, prompting confrontations with government forces. On a recent Sunday, the South Sudanese military utilized airstrikes on the Nasir airstrip to curb any potential flow of air supplies to the White Army.
United Nations officials have drawn parallels between the ongoing crisis in South Sudan and the events preceding the 2015 civil war, characterized by political disputes between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar. These conflicts resulted in widespread displacement and mass atrocities, underscoring the potential for renewed violence.
The struggle for control of Nasir has intensified tensions, with accusations that the SPLM/A-IO is supporting the military offensive. This situation has led to increased security crackdowns and mass arrests of opposition members. Machar has publicly criticized the government’s actions, warning that the fragile peace agreement is on the verge of collapse.
Uganda has expressed support for President Kiir, with parliamentary approval for the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan as a stabilizing measure. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s army chief, has declared that any assault against Kiir would be viewed as a declaration of war against Uganda, further complicating the situation. The government of South Sudan has justified Uganda’s military presence as part of a longstanding accord to combat mutual threats, including the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
In conclusion, South Sudan’s government has firmly instructed the White Army to vacate military zones, particularly in Nasir, under threat of force. The rising tensions echo historical conflicts leading to previous civil wars, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of violence. Uganda’s backing of Kiir complicates the situation further, reflecting deep political divides and the delicate nature of the region’s stability. Thus, the unfolding events warrant close monitoring as the peace agreement teeters on the brink of collapse.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
