South Sudan’s government has ordered civilians to leave a northern area following an army airstrike against the armed White Army, which has attacked a military base and threatened a 2018 peace agreement. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth warned civilians could face consequences if they do not evacuate military zones. The ongoing violence raises concerns about the stability of the region.
South Sudan’s government has instructed civilians to evacuate a northern region following an airstrike targeting an armed group that had attacked a military base and a United Nations helicopter. This directive came after the airstrike occurred in Nasir County, which has become the focal point of escalating violence threatening the fragile peace established in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, a conflict that led to over 400,000 casualties during a protracted civil war.
Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth emphasized that civilians remaining in military zones must vacate or face consequences, stating, “will be treated accordingly.” He confirmed ongoing military actions, including Sunday night’s airstrike in Nasir County, while local authorities reported that the strike resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen civilians; however, the army has not acknowledged any civilian casualties.
The government forces are engaged in confrontations with an armed faction known as the White Army, which is suspected to have affiliations with Riek Machar. Tensions have escalated in recent weeks as President Kiir dismissed officials viewed as Machar loyalists, prompting Machar to express concerns regarding violations that jeopardize the peace deal’s integrity. Additionally, prior to these events, government troops surrounded Machar’s residence in Juba, leading to the detention of several of his associates following the military base’s breach by the White Army.
The situation in South Sudan remains precarious, with the government urging civilians to evacuate conflict zones amid ongoing airstrikes against the White Army. These events escalate tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, significantly jeopardizing the 2018 peace agreement. The recent military actions and governmental decisions highlight the fragile state of peace and the potential for renewed violence in the region.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
