South Sudan conducted air strikes against rebel forces in Nasir County, raising concerns about the destabilization of their peace agreement with significant casualties reported. Tensions escalated between President Salva Kiir’s and First Vice President Riek Machar’s forces, compounded by the involvement of Ugandan troops and international scrutiny regarding the situation.
The recent air strikes conducted by South Sudan against rebel forces have raised significant concerns regarding the stability of the nation. Clashes in Nasir County, located within Upper Nile State, involved troops aligned with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, threatening their precarious peace-sharing agreement established in 2018.
During a press briefing, Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed the air force’s bombardment of Nasir, stating, “Our air force bombarded Nasir this morning.” Local reports indicated that over 20 individuals, including children, lost their lives in these strikes, which Lueth characterized as part of ongoing “security operations.”
The escalating violence jeopardizes the 2018 peace deal, which aimed to resolve a civil conflict that had resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths. Kiir’s supporters have accused Machar’s forces of instigating unrest in Nasir County, allegedly in collaboration with the White Army—a group of armed youths from Machar’s Nuer ethnic group.
Tensions intensified earlier this month, leading to an incident where an estimated 6,000 combatants from the White Army took control of a military encampment in Nasir. An unsuccessful rescue attempt by the United Nations resulted in the tragic deaths of a UN helicopter pilot and a senior general from South Sudan.
Furthermore, Minister Lueth acknowledged the presence of Ugandan troops in Juba under a military agreement, despite earlier denials regarding their deployment. Last week, Ugandan army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed, “Ugandan special forces entered Juba to secure it.” The ongoing unrest in South Sudan has prompted international apprehension, with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights warning of an “alarming regression” in the country’s progress.
The situation in South Sudan remains highly volatile, with recent air strikes against rebel forces indicating rising tensions between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The fragile peace established through the 2018 agreement is at significant risk, as evidenced by recent violent clashes and the involvement of Ugandan military forces. The international community watches closely, concerned about the potential regression in human rights and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
