An ambush in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state resulted in 10 soldier deaths and 21 injuries. The army blamed the opposition party SPLM-IO for inciting the attack, while the opposition denied involvement, claiming retaliation against army aggression. Control over Nasir remains contested, amid rising tensions and political instability following a government reshuffle.
On February 16, the army reported that an ambush in Upper Nile, South Sudan, resulted in the death of at least 10 soldiers and injuries to 21 others. The attack, attributed to armed youths, took place at 3 a.m. in the town of Nasir. Army spokesperson Lul Ruai Kong accused the opposition party, SPLM-IO, of instigating the attack, claiming it was an effort to deepen local divisions.
Kong stated the armed youth’s actions were the result of incitement from opposition forces, further asserting that the army possesses “sufficient evidence” to hold the opposition accountable. The evidence will be presented to the ceasefire monitoring committee to address the violations alleged against the SPLM-IO.
Despite these claims, SPLM-IO spokesperson Lam Paul Gabriel denied involvement in the attack. He contended that their forces had not incited violence, stating, “We have not carried out any attack, nor have we incited local youths. The army has issues with the local population.” Gabriel argued that the conflict was a response to prior attacks by the army on civilians in Nasir.
Currently, control of Nasir is split between government forces and opposition rebels, leading to heightened tensions. Recent weeks have witnessed clashes across South Sudan amidst political instability following a government reshuffle by President Salva Kiir. Delays in implementing the 2018 peace agreement have further compounded the country’s fragile state.
The attack in Upper Nile reflects the ongoing tension between South Sudan’s government and opposition forces, amidst accusations of incitement and renewed violence. As the SPLM-IO denies involvement, the situation raises concerns about the stability of the fragile ceasefire established in 2018, highlighting the pressing need for the government to address local grievances and adhere to peace agreements.
Original Source: efe.com
