Violence in South Sudan is escalating due to historical tensions between the Nuer and Dinka communities. Recent intervention by Ugandan forces and attacks from the White Army have raised fears of civil war. The situation could deteriorate further if political leaders fail to engage in dialogue and the international community does not exert pressure for peace.
The escalation of violence in South Sudan is raising alarm bells regarding a potential return to civil war, stemming from historical tensions primarily between the Nuer and Dinka communities. Following the 1991 split within the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), this conflict has resurfaced, now exacerbated by recent political turbulence and military actions in Upper Nile State.
In March 2025, due to rising insecurity, Ugandan forces briefly intervened at the request of the South Sudanese government. This involvement was met with swift opposition by local rebel factions, which complicated discussions aimed at forming a unified military framework and jeopardized the fragile power-sharing agreement established in 2018, essential for maintaining peace after a grueling five-year conflict.
The situation has become dire, with the White Army militia, representing the Nuer community, engaging in violent confrontations against government troops. As attacks unfolded in Nasir County during early March, nearly fifty fatalities were reported, highlighting the grave humanitarian implications of this civil unrest. The militia’s claims of acting in self-defense underscore the complex socio-political dynamics at play.
A historical context reveals the formation of the White Army in the 1990s amid factional strife, often acting independently. This independence complicates current narratives that conflate their actions with broader political agendas, as many governmental claims seek to deflect culpability onto opposition forces rather than confronting longstanding grievances.
Differentiating this cycle of violence from the civil war that erupted in 2013, the recent conflicts appear spurred by spontaneous provocations rather than orchestrated strategies. Past retaliatory violence has created entrenched animosities, but recent military failures have prompted aggressive governmental responses, further destabilizing the peace process.
In light of this precarious situation, measures must be taken to avert a full-scale return to war. Constructive dialogue aimed at demobilizing community militias is essential, as is a commitment from the government to cease indiscriminate military operations against civilians. Moreover, engaging local leaders of the White Army is crucial for fostering communication and trust, especially before logistical challenges arise with the onset of the rainy season.
Despite international calls for restraint, limited actions have ensued. The United Nations must actively address violations against political figures and push for political solutions that tackle the deep-seated issues propelling the current violence. Stronger international engagement is vital to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in South Sudan.
In conclusion, the situation in South Sudan requires immediate attention to prevent a resurgence of civil war. Historical grievances between the Nuer and Dinka communities continue to fuel cycles of violence, compounded by recent military failures and unproductive governmental responses. Effective dialogue, community engagement, and international intervention are pivotal to restoring peace and addressing the complexities of the conflict.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
