Nasir, a town in Upper Nile State, suffered a new wave of airstrikes by the SSPDF and UPDF, amidst escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The recent assaults, which resulted in civilian injuries and significant property damage, have activists calling for immediate action from the leadership and international organizations to alleviate the suffering and prevent further conflict.
The town of Nasir in Upper Nile State has recently experienced renewed airstrikes conducted by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF). This escalation occurs amidst ongoing tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, marking the second major incident of aerial bombardment in recent weeks, following the tragic loss of 21 civilians during a March 17 strike.
As part of military operations, Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan, with officials stating these troops are intended to secure the capital, Juba. The UPDF has faced allegations of conducting airstrikes to support the SSPDF. Following clashes on March 4, the White Army—a militia associated with Riek Machar—was able to seize control of Nasir from the SSPDF.
Gatluak Lew Thiep, the Nasir County Commissioner, reported that early on Wednesday, a military warplane targeted Nasir town, resulting in multiple bombings at approximately 3:30 AM. He accused both the SSPDF and UPDF of utilizing chemical weapons during these attacks. Two individuals, a mother and her two-year-old child, were critically injured, necessitating potential further medical intervention.
In the bombings, the Nasir market was also severely impacted, with several shops destroyed after an explosive barrel struck the area. Commissioner Thiep noted, “Four bombs targeted my compound as commissioner. That was the second round, and this is where four barrels fell in my compound. This is where the mother and child were hurt.” He confirmed significant damage to the local market, further exacerbating the situation.
Edmund Yakani, a civil society activist, urged the leadership in South Sudan to cease what he termed as “inhuman and degrading acts of victimizing” civilians in Nasir. He called upon both President Kiir and Vice President Machar to halt the violence, warning that continued aggression could escalate into a larger conflict involving foreign powers. Yakani implored the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN) to engage in meaningful dialogue with South Sudan’s leaders to prevent further suffering among civilians.
The recent events in Nasir highlight the intensifying conflicts between the SSPDF and UPDF amid rising political tensions in South Sudan. Aerial bombardments, leading to civilian casualties and significant destruction, raise serious human rights concerns. Activists are urging immediate intervention and accountability from South Sudan’s leadership and international bodies to avert a potential larger-scale conflict.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
