The South Sudanese government has ordered civilians to evacuate a northern area after an airstrike targeting the White Army, an armed group that threatens a 2018 peace agreement. Conflicts have escalated due to recent military actions against officials perceived as allies of Vice President Machar, raising humanitarian concerns amidst political tensions.
South Sudan’s government has officially requested civilians to evacuate from a northern region following an airstrike aimed at an armed group suspected of seizing a military base and attacking a U.N. helicopter. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth stated that civilians remaining in military zones risk consequences if they don’t comply with the evacuation order.
The airstrike occurred in Nasir County, a location critical to the peace accord established in 2018 by President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, which ended a prolonged civil war. Local reports indicate that the airstrike resulted in the deaths of over a dozen civilians, though military officials have not verified these claims.
Conflict in Nasir County involves government forces and an armed faction known as the White Army, which is suspected to have ties to Machar. Tensions have risen in recent weeks, particularly after Kiir dismissed officials perceived as loyal to Machar. Machar has condemned these actions, asserting that “persistent violations through unilateral decisions and decrees threaten the very existence” of the peace agreement. Earlier this month, government forces also surrounded Machar’s residence in Juba and detained several of his associates following the White Army’s military base attack.
The South Sudan government has mandated civilian evacuation from northern areas due to ongoing military operations against armed groups, notably the White Army. The airstrike in Nasir County raises humanitarian concerns, especially following reports of civilian casualties. The political landscape remains tense, underscoring the fragility of the peace agreement established in 2018 between the country’s leaders.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
