South Sudan threatens military action against the White Army if they do not vacate Nasir Military Zones, citing recent clashes with casualties. The government insists that those remaining are combatants and warns of repression against opposition. Uganda backs President Kiir, intensifying military presence under a bilateral agreement, raising concerns about the stability of peace agreements.
South Sudan’s government has issued a firm ultimatum to the White Army, a Nuer militia, demanding they vacate the Nasir Military Zones or face military action. This directive includes immediate evacuation from all assembly areas due to ongoing clashes with government forces that have resulted in casualties, including a UN crew member and an SSPDF general.
Information Minister Michael Makuei emphasized the call for the White Army to return home, warning that those remaining in military zones would be treated as combatants and face necessary military force. He stated, “The White Army that claims to be civilians and who have decided to take up arms against the government must go back to their respective home before we take any action.”
The tensions escalated when the White Army captured Nasir—a strategic town near the Ethiopian border—on March 3, leading to clashes with government forces. Recently, South Sudan reportedly used airstrikes on the Nasir airstrip to disrupt the White Army’s supply lines. This situation has evoked concerns from UN officials about similarities to the lead-up to the 2015 civil war, which caused widespread displacement and violence.
The White Army’s offensive has been linked to the SPLM/A-IO’s support, prompting security crackdowns and arrests of opposition figures. Riek Machar criticized the government for intimidation tactics that threaten the fragile peace agreement. He highlighted his unique position, stating, “Many may not know, but I am probably the first vice president in the world who has been under house arrest for seven years and is still active in the government.”
In an alignment with President Kiir, Uganda has officially supported him and approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan, framing this as a necessary measure for restoring stability. Uganda’s army chief warned that any action against Kiir would trigger a declaration of war against Uganda, reinforcing their military presence as part of a long-standing bilateral agreement to combat regional threats, including the Lord’s Resistance Army.
The South Sudanese government has taken a hard stance against the White Army, demanding their immediate withdrawal from military zones to avoid military confrontation. This escalating conflict has raised alarms reminiscent of the prior civil war, with allegations of government repression and external military involvement further complicating the fragile peace landscape. Uganda’s support for the government adds a layer of regional dynamics that could influence the ongoing tensions.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
