The clashes in Nasir reveal the fragility of South Sudan’s peace process, highlighting unresolved tensions and inadequate security reforms despite the 2018 peace agreement. The situation poses a significant risk of renewed conflict, triggered by uncoordinated military actions and deep-seated historical grievances. Urgent regional and international interventions are necessary to support the country in de-escalating violence, pursuing necessary security sector reforms, and fostering dialogue among communities.
The recent violent clashes in Nasir on March 3 and 4, whereby the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) were attacked and displaced by the White Army, highlight the tenuous nature of South Sudan’s peace process. This escalation accentuates the persistent tensions that remain despite ongoing negotiations and past agreements. Political and military entities are engaging in blame-shifting, exacerbating the risk of renewed conflict that threatens the progress achieved since the signing of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The SSPDF claims its presence in Nasir was due to a standard troop rotation, noting government forces have been stationed there for over a decade. Nevertheless, there is speculation that this deployment was part of a broader disarmament strategy specifically targeting Nasir and Ulang counties, which encountered fierce opposition from local youth, dubbed the White Army. Many perceived the deployment as an aggressive attempt at disarmament without adequate consultation, resulting in an immediate and forceful backlash that culminated in the White Army seizing control of Nasir town.
The situation is particularly alarming given the historical tensions between government forces and local armed groups. The White Army operates as a loosely organized but reactive community defense force, crucial for local security where national institutions are viewed with skepticism. Any perceived encroachment on their autonomy, such as an uncoordinated disarmament campaign, can incite violent resistance, as was demonstrated in Nasir.
The Nasir clashes are emblematic of deeper structural issues that afflict South Sudan’s security sector. The 2018 peace agreement delineated essential security arrangements, including armed forces unification and disarmament, but implementation has been slow and inconsistent after five years. Key provisions regarding governance and security have seen minimal advancement, resulting in fragmented armed factions operating under disparate command structures. This disunity not only threatens stability but adversely affects public trust in the state’s ability to ensure security.
Attempting to enforce disarmament amidst these structural deficiencies is highly problematic. The presence of numerous armed factions—some within formal security structures and others acting independently—creates an unstable environment where security interventions are interpreted through the lens of political and ethnic rivalries. If not addressed, disarmament efforts may provoke significant resistance and violence.
While the clashes in Nasir may not immediately derail the peace process, they signal an urgent warning. South Sudan faces a critical juncture where unresolved security issues, political instability, and economic hardships may converge, potentially reigniting widespread conflict. The failure to implement security arrangements undermines national stability and the peace process’s credibility further. The Nasir incident has already altered the political and security landscape, raising concerns about similar violent outbreaks in other areas with heightened tensions.
To avert further deterioration, prompt intervention from regional and international actors is paramount. Entities such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) must adopt more proactive roles in facilitating the full implementation of the peace agreement. Diplomatic engagement with South Sudan’s leadership to ensure armed forces unification and substantial security reform is essential, as is the AU’s emphasis on holding parties accountable for peace violations. The UN’s ongoing monitoring and technical support for peacebuilding initiatives remains crucial.
Moving forward, South Sudanese leaders must urgently focus on de-escalation and foster dialogue with communities. Direct engagement with local leaders, including White Army representatives, must prioritize addressing grievances and negotiating peaceful solutions rather than resorting to military interventions, which may exacerbate tensions. Additionally, necessary reforms to unify the armed forces should be prioritized to build a trusted national army.
Disarmament initiatives should be complemented by robust community engagement, ensuring local populations comprehend the advantages and safety assurances of disarmament. Enhancing local governance and empowering community leaders is also pivotal, as many conflicts stem from governance-related failures. Regional and international partners should play proactive roles in facilitating security arrangements and monitoring violations.
The Nasir clashes are a clarion call for South Sudan’s leaders and peace partners to recognize the severity of their situation. The country finds itself at a crucial milestone where immediate action can either further solidify peace or result in renewed instability. The gravity of this moment demands that South Sudanese leaders exhibit genuine political will, prioritize national unity over transient interests, and commit to fully implementing security arrangements. Without urgent security sector reforms and confidence-building strategies, the peace process risks insignificance, with the potential for violence re-emerging as a prominent threat.
The writer, Malual Bol Kiir, is a South Sudanese peace advocate. He may be contacted at malualbk2005@gmail.com. The opinions expressed in articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the authors, and the responsibility of any claims rests with the respective writers, not Radio Tamazuj.
The Nasir clashes underscore the urgent need for decisive actions to address South Sudan’s security vulnerabilities and political instability. The potential for renewed conflict looms unless comprehensive reforms, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to peace agreements are prioritized. It is imperative for leaders and international actors to work collaboratively and vigorously towards establishing a stable and unified security framework to secure South Sudan’s future.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
