South Sudan has initiated air strikes against rebels, raising concerns about the peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. Recent clashes in Nasir County resulted in casualties, including children, and accusations of provocation from Kiir’s allies towards Machar’s forces. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of Ugandan troops and significant international concern over the regression in human rights and stability.
Recent air strikes by South Sudan against rebel forces have escalated tensions between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, pose risks to a fragile peace agreement established in 2018 after a devastating five-year civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 casualties.
Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth announced, “Our air force bombarded Nasir this morning,” confirming that the strikes were part of ongoing “security operations.” Reports indicate that over 20 individuals, including children, lost their lives in the attacks. The minister noted the difficulty of preventing civilian casualties during such operations.
Kiir’s supporters blame Machar’s forces for inciting unrest, alleging collaboration with the White Army, a militia comprising armed youths from the Nuer ethnic group. Tensions increased significantly earlier this month when an estimated 6,000 White Army fighters seized a military encampment in Nasir. An attempted intervention by the United Nations tragically resulted in the death of a UN helicopter pilot and a senior general from South Sudan.
Furthermore, Lueth confirmed the presence of Ugandan forces in Juba, related to a military pact, contradicting previous assertions regarding their deployment. This follows a statement from Ugandan army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, noting that special forces had entered Juba for security purposes. As unrest grows, international bodies express concern, with the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan highlighting a “alarming regression” that could jeopardize progress made in recent years.
The ongoing air strikes against rebels by South Sudanese forces represent a significant escalation in internal conflicts, threatening the fragile peace established in 2018. The involvement of foreign military forces further complicates the situation, prompting urgent international concern over the potential rollback of human rights achievements and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
