The South Sudanese government has called for civilians to leave northern areas due to escalating military confrontations, particularly in Nasir County, threatening the 2018 peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar. Civilian casualties from recent bombings have been reported, raising further concerns about the conflict.
The South Sudanese government has urged civilians to evacuate a northern region following a military bombing of an armed faction responsible for attacks on a military base and a United Nations helicopter. This escalation in Nasir County poses a threat to the peace agreement established in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, which concluded a brutal civil war that claimed over 400,000 lives.
Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth stated that civilians who refuse to leave designated military zones will face repercussions. He confirmed that an airstrike had already occurred in Nasir County, with additional strikes anticipated. Local officials reported civilian casualties, with over a dozen fatalities resulting from the bombing, although the military has not validated these claims.
The South Sudanese army has engaged in conflicts with an armed group known as the White Army, suspected of affiliation with Riek Machar. Tensions have escalated due to President Kiir’s dismissal of officials loyal to Machar. Machar’s faction expressed concerns about these unilateral actions undermining the peace agreement. Additionally, government troops recently surrounded Machar’s residence in the capital, Juba.
In summary, the South Sudanese government has mandated civilian evacuation from northern areas amid rising military conflict. The situation threatens the peace accord established in 2018. Both the military actions and political tensions between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar contribute to the ongoing instability in the region.
Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk
