South Sudan has demanded the White Army to vacate military zones, threatening force if they do not comply. Information Minister Michael Makuei stated that those remaining will be treated as combatants. The conflict around Nasir has intensified, with accusations of external support and a precarious peace situation overshadowing political alliances.
South Sudan has issued a stern ultimatum to the White Army, a Nuer militia, demanding their immediate evacuation from the Nasir Military Zone or face military action. The government has stated that the militia must vacate their assembly areas, which includes Nasir, where significant clashes have occurred recently. The conflict resulted in the tragic deaths of a UN crew member and an SSPDF general.
Information Minister Michael Makuei emphasized, “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.” He further warned, “Any civilian who is in a military zone and refuses to leave will be treated accordingly,” indicating that anyone remaining could be classified as a combatant.
The White Army, aligned with opposition leader Riek Machar, captured Nasir on March 3, intensifying confrontations with government forces. In efforts to prevent the militia from receiving supplies, South Sudan utilized warplanes to attack the Nasir airstrip on Sunday. UN officials have expressed concerns that the ongoing turmoil mirrors conditions that precipitated the 2015 civil war, which resulted from political conflicts displacing millions.
The recent battle for Nasir saw the White Army overrunning military positions, raising tensions further as the government accused the SPLM/A-IO of facilitating the offensive. Machar criticized the government for repression and intimidation of opposition figures, suggesting the fragile peace agreement is nearing collapse. He stated, “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 response to the instability, Uganda has officially supported President Kiir, with plans for UPDF deployment to South Sudan. Uganda’s army chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, declared that aggression against Kiir would be perceived as a declaration of war. The South Sudanese government has justified Uganda’s military presence as part of a longstanding bilateral agreement to combat threats such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
In conclusion, the South Sudanese government has issued a decisive warning to the White Army to evacuate military zones to avert military confrontation. The situation in Nasir is volatile, with historical precedents raising alarms about potential escalations reminiscent of past civil conflicts. Meanwhile, Uganda’s involvement further complicates the regional dynamics, emphasizing the fragile state of both national and bilateral relations in pursuit of stability.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
