South Sudan’s government has warned the White Army to vacate Nasir or face military action. Information Minister Makuei stated that civilians in military zones would be treated as combatants. The recent conflict, sparked by the White Army’s capture of Nasir, draws parallels to past civil wars, and Uganda has pledged military support for Kiir’s administration.
The South Sudanese government has issued a firm directive to the White Army, a militia group of the Nuer ethnic community, compelling them to vacate Nasir and other military zones promptly or face military reprisals. This order follows recent violent engagements between the White Army and government forces, which resulted in significant casualties, including the loss of a UN crew member and an SSPDF general.
Information Minister Michael Makuei has condemned the White Army’s actions, urging them to return to their homes before any forceful measures are initiated. He emphasized, “Any civilian who is in a military zone and refuses to leave will be treated accordingly.” The Minister further asserted that individuals who remain in military zones will be viewed as combatants, thus legitimizing potential military action against them.
The ongoing conflict intensified after the White Army, allied with Vice President Riek Machar, captured Nasir, a vital strategic point near the Ethiopian border. In a calculated move, the government utilized warplanes to strike the airstrip in Nasir, likely to hinder the White Army’s access to aerial resupply.
UN officials have cautioned that the situation mirrors the lead-up to the 2015 civil war, which was ignited by political tensions between President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar. The recent offensives have exacerbated hostilities, with the government blaming the SPLM/A-IO for supporting the White Army’s advances and initiating a crackdown on opposition members.
In a recent address, Machar accused his political partner of resorting to intimidation to maintain power, cautioning that the peace agreement is in jeopardy. He remarked, “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.” His commentary highlighted his concerns over the return to stability in South Sudan.
On a related note, Uganda has expressed unwavering support for Kiir’s administration, with its parliamentary caucus endorsing UPDF deployments in South Sudan, characterizing it as a vital intervention to restore order. Uganda’s army chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, underscored the gravity of opposing Kiir, stating that any such action would be classified as a declaration of war. Moreover, Uganda has increased its military presence, reinforcing Kiir’s security amid rising tensions with Machar, while defending its inclusion in Juba based on an existing bilateral agreement designed to combat regional threats.
In conclusion, the South Sudanese government’s ultimatum to the White Army underscores the escalation of armed conflict in the region. The implications of Uganda’s military support for Kiir’s regime further complicate the precarious political landscape. As tensions rise, the parallels with past civil unrest present significant concerns regarding the potential for a renewed cycle of violence, challenging the fragile peace that has been established.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
