The airlift of SSPDF troops from Nasir County was delayed due to coordination issues between local officials and military commanders. Tensions escalated after clashes with the White Army led to significant casualties. Community divisions over the evacuation persist, and the situation highlights ongoing challenges in South Sudan’s military integration and political stability ahead of future elections.
The airlifting of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) from Nasir County was delayed due to coordination issues among local officials and commanders of the White Army, as reported by White Army members. This evacuation aimed to ease tensions after clashes erupted with the White Army, a group largely made up of Nuer youth, which captured the town and its military barracks a day earlier.
SPLM-IO leaders in Juba initiated this evacuation to rescue SSPDF troops stranded in Nasir amid rising tensions. The SSPDF accused SPLM-IO leaders of inciting the conflict, resulting in the arrest of several senior SPLM-IO officials in Juba and complicating de-escalation efforts. Troop withdrawal was viewed as a possible tension-reducing measure.
White Army commander Ter Chuol Gatkuoth remarked on the delayed airlifting of SSPDF commander Gen. Majuk Nyok, attributing it to the absence of Nasir County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep. He noted, “The UN-chartered airplane has not yet arrived to airlift the SSPDF troops.” Yien Bonbon, another White Army member, confirmed that the evacuation would commence once the aircraft arrives.
Local sentiments in Nasir are divided regarding the airlifting of SSPDF commander Gen. Majur Manyok, who remains in a military tank following the takeover. While some locals oppose his evacuation to Malakal or Juba, others support it to mitigate tensions.
In the recent fighting, over 40 White Army members reportedly lost their lives to SSPDF forces, leading to the takeover of the military base. Ter explained that many women and children have fled to nearby areas or Ethiopia due to the conflict. The SSPDF casualty figures remain unknown, according to local sources.
Yien confirmed the death toll, along with about 77 injuries among White Army members. He indicated that residents urgently need food and water for a safe return. Presently, the security situation in Nasir is calm, with the White Army in control of the military camp they seized.
Despite the peace agreement signed between President Salva Kiir and SPLM-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar in 2018, South Sudan continues to grapple with the integration of various armed groups into a cohesive national army. Political tensions persist as the country approaches its first post-independence elections set for December 2026.
The planned airlifting of SSPDF troops from Nasir has faced delays primarily due to coordination failures among local officials and commanders. As tensions rise after recent clashes, both the White Army and SSPDF troops have suffered casualties, with significant community divisions over the evacuation’s necessity. The broader implications for South Sudan’s stability and political landscape remain critical as it prepares for upcoming elections amidst ongoing challenges in unifying its military forces.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
