The United People’s Alliance (UPA) condemned the South Sudan government’s collective punishment of Upper Nile residents, citing recent bombings that resulted in civilian casualties. The UPA formed a coalition to address these injustices and called for protests against foreign military interventions. They contended that effective governance is needed to prevent further violence and urged the international community to support the South Sudanese people while demanding the release of detained political leaders.
The United People’s Alliance (UPA) has denounced what it describes as the collective punishment of the Upper Nile population by the South Sudan government. Formed in January, the UPA is a coalition of the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) and other opposition factions participating in the Tumaini Initiative peace talks in Nairobi, under the leadership of Gen. Pa’gan Amum Okiech.
Recently, Nasir, located in Upper Nile State, suffered bombardment from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) using incendiary devices, leading to civilian casualties. Local authorities reported the deaths of 21 individuals, including women and children, with accusations that the Ugandan military collaborated with the SSPDF. Additional aerial assaults targeted various regions, including Longechuk and Akobo.
In a statement, Lual Dau, the Secretary General of the UPA, urged political and civil society figures to protest against the government’s reliance on foreign military forces to suppress South Sudanese citizens and exacerbate violence. The UPA condemned the actions as horrific and indicative of a government devoid of legitimacy.
The UPA criticized government practices, asserting that entire communities suffer due to the actions of a few, which they characterized as genocidal in nature. They remarked on the destructive governance by tribal entities and called for recognition that the Revised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) is defunct.
The alliance demands an urgent halt to the destruction of Upper Nile’s livelihoods and properties and has urged opposition movements to reject participation in these destructive activities. They also call for continued protests against foreign military interventions and the immediate release of detained political figures, including First Vice President Dr. Rick Machar and others unlawfully held under the National Security Act.
Finally, the UPA appealed to the international community to stand with the South Sudanese people during these challenging circumstances, emphasizing the need for solidarity and support against the prevailing government actions that threaten peace.
The UPA’s condemnation of the South Sudan government highlights serious concerns regarding the targeted violence against civilians in Upper Nile State. The coalition calls for immediate action against the government’s reliance on foreign forces and the urgent need for international support. Recognizing the failure of existing peace agreements is crucial for a resolution to the ongoing conflicts that threaten South Sudan with further conflict. The UPA urges unity among opposition forces and civil society to address these critical issues.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
