Airstrikes in Akobo, South Sudan have heightened fears of civil war amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Local officials reported the targeting of civilian vehicles, while international responses call for urgent dialogue and intervention to mitigate further violence.
Residents of Akobo, located in Jonglei State, South Sudan, experienced significant distress on Tuesday afternoon following airstrikes on the town’s outskirts. This escalation coincides with growing apprehensions regarding a potential resurgence of civil war, as tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar intensify.
In response to the unrest, Uganda has dispatched special forces to South Sudan, with their military chief indicating last week that these troops were assigned to “secure” Juba, South Sudan’s capital. Additionally, the Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has faced allegations of conducting airstrikes to aid the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF).
Akobo County Commissioner Puok Nyang Tutjiek reported that the airstrikes targeted two vehicles transporting goods and passengers shortly after noon on Tuesday. Contrary to assertions that the strikes aimed at a vehicle carrying SPLA-IO Spy Chief Gen. Yiey Dak, who had recently fled Juba, no casualties were reported, though many individuals fled into the surrounding area, and some passengers are still unaccounted for.
The attacks instigated market closures and compelled residents to seek shelter. Commissioner Tutjiek emphasized that local authorities are currently inquiring with Juba to understand the motives behind the airstrikes.
The incident has raised alarms among civil society organizations and the international community, particularly due to the widening scope of aerial bombardments in the Upper Nile region. Ter Manyang, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), described the strikes as a “dangerous escalation” and called for international intervention, urging the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) observers to facilitate dialogue to avert further violence.
In light of the escalating violence, a coalition of Western embassies in Juba has advocated for a direct meeting between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, expressing their readiness to mediate these discussions. A joint press statement criticized the ongoing violence in Upper Nile, highlighting the need for stability and peace in the region.
The airstrikes in Akobo have exposed the precarious security situation in South Sudan, raising fears of an impending civil war. With international calls for dialogue and intervention, the situation remains dire as local authorities seek clarity on the motives behind the attacks. The collaborative efforts of Western embassies signify the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions to restore peace and prevent further violence.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
