The United People’s Alliance (UPA) condemned the South Sudanese government for collective punishment against Upper Nile citizens, citing recent bombings that resulted in civilian deaths. The alliance called for protests against foreign military assistance, highlighted the ineffectiveness of peace agreements, and stressed the significance of releasing detained political figures. They urged unity among opposition groups and the international community to address the violence and seek lasting solutions.
On Tuesday, the United People’s Alliance (UPA) expressed strong condemnation regarding the collective punishment inflicted on the citizens of Upper Nile by the South Sudanese Government. Formed in January, the UPA is a coalition of the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) alongside other opposition groups involved in the Tumaini Initiative peace talks in Nairobi. General Pa’gan Amum Okiech serves as the Chairperson and Commander-in-Chief of this alliance, which unified various forces under one command.
The situation escalated on Sunday night when Nasir, a town in Upper Nile State, was attacked with incendiary bombs by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), leading to civilian casualties and property destruction. Local reports cited the deaths of 21 civilians, including children and women, attributing the attacks to both the SSPDF and the Ugandan military. Similar aerial strikes have also occurred in other regions, such as Longechuk and Akobo.
UPA Secretary General Lual Dau urged political and civil society activists to protest the government’s reliance on foreign military support to stifle the South Sudanese populace, thus perpetuating historical cycles of violence. In their statement, they described the collective punishment as “horrific, disturbing, and ultimately, genocidal,” indicating a pivotal failure in governance and military legitimacy within South Sudan. They criticized the ruling authorities as tribal-minded aggressors responsible for escalating divisions and hatred among different communities.
Furthermore, the UPA argued for the acknowledgement that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is ineffective and cannot be reinstated, asserting that such clarity may pave the way for potential peace solutions. The coalition affirmed a call to cease ongoing violence against Upper Nile’s civilians, blaming the acts on the government and its affiliates.
They appealed to the opposition movements and youth to refrain from supporting such violence and instead work with the UPA towards sustainable conflict resolution. The UPA reiterated its demand for the immediate release of detained political figures, including First Vice President Dr. Rick Machar, calling for regional and international solidarity with the South Sudanese people during an ongoing crisis.
In conclusion, the United People’s Alliance has condemned the government of South Sudan for its acts of collective punishment against Upper Nile residents. The alliance asserts that foreign military involvement exacerbates the violence and urges for political reforms and active protests against these acts. Calls for the release of political detainees further underscore the need for solidarity in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, emphasizing a collective push towards lasting peace and resolution.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
