Violence in South Sudan’s Nasir County has surged, displacing thousands and threatening communities. The SSPDF’s attacks on civilians have instigated ongoing confrontations with local youth. The failure to implement peace agreements and security reforms has led to heightened instability and calls for a unified military force as civilian protection remains a critical concern.
Recent violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, has escalated significantly, displacing thousands and increasing the risk to local communities. Since early 2024, conflicts have erupted between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and local youth. On February 14, 2025, an SSPDF assault on civilians in a marketplace sparked further military confrontations, leading to injuries, including that of a peacekeeper.
The ongoing violence highlights the urgent need for addressing past abuses and executing vital security arrangements under South Sudan’s 2018 revitalized peace agreement. Key components such as security sector reform and the unification of armed forces have remained largely unaddressed, leaving the nation exposed to instability. The absence of a cohesive military force has intensified confrontations between government troops and local armed groups across the country.
Communities in Nasir have expressed their demand for a unified military force instead of the current national defense troops, which have previously been implicated in civilian abuses. However, following February 22, authorities deployed troops alongside allied ethnic militias that were not included in the formal unification process. In response to fears of forced disarmament and potential attacks, local youth began to mobilize defensively against these movements.
On February 25, the SSPDF conducted airstrikes targeting SPLA/IO positions, which inadvertently affected civilian areas and raised concerns over a dangerous conflict escalation. Such indiscriminate attacks violate international humanitarian law, which prohibits actions that do not differentiate between military and civilian entities and could lead to war crimes.
To enhance the protection of civilians, authorities must engage in dialogue and foster trust between communities and the SSPDF by integrating community perspectives into security measures and addressing impunity for violations. It is imperative for the international community to support accountability initiatives. Without immediate intervention, civilians will continue to suffer the most severe consequences of the ongoing conflict.
The alarming situation in Nasir County underscores the urgent need for effective conflict resolution and implementation of the revitalized peace agreement. Failure to address community concerns and ensure accountability for abuses exacerbates instability and endangers civilian lives. Proactive measures are essential to prevent further humanitarian crises in the region.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
