Nasir, South Sudan, experiences renewed airstrikes by the SSPDF and UPDF amid tensions between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar. Recent attacks have injured civilians and destroyed vital infrastructure. Civil society activists are calling for immediate cessation of violence and intervention from international bodies to prevent an escalation into a larger conflict.
The town of Nasir in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state is facing renewed aerial bombardments, with attacks launched by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF). This escalation is occurring amidst rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, marking a troubling second incident in a brief time frame. Previously, on March 17, an airstrike resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 21 civilians, including women and children.
In a recent development, the Ugandan military has deployed special forces to South Sudan, with officials stating this is to secure Juba, the capital. The UPDF has been accused of conducting airstrikes that support the SSPDF. Moreover, South Sudan’s Defence Minister has declared intentions to reclaim Nasir, following its occupation by the White Army, a militia associated with Riek Machar, after intense fighting on March 4.
Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep reported that a military aircraft dropped several bombs on Nasir at approximately 3:30 AM. He accused the military and Ugandan forces of utilizing chemical weapons during the attack. A mother and her two-year-old child were critically injured, necessitating urgent medical attention. The commissioner confirmed ongoing damage as the Nasir market was set ablaze by an explosive, with numerous shops destroyed, particularly those selling tea.
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani urged immediate actions by South Sudan’s leadership to cease what he termed as “inhuman and degrading acts” against civilians. He appealed to President Kiir to halt the airstrikes, warning of the potential escalation into a full-scale conflict involving foreign entities, which would greatly exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the country.
Yakani emphasized the accountability of President Kiir and First Vice President Machar for the ongoing violence and urged for intervention from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN). He expressed concerns regarding Uganda’s involvement, stating that the Ugandan president should aim to prevent a descent into war and emphasized the urgent need to stop the human rights violations rampant in the region.
The renewed bombardments in Nasir highlight the critical humanitarian crisis in South Sudan amid escalating tensions between political leaders. With rising civilian casualties and extensive infrastructure damage, it is imperative for the leadership to halt violence urgently and for international bodies to intervene to prevent further deterioration of the situation. The pressing responsibility rests with President Kiir and First Vice President Machar to restore peace and accountability amidst the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
