On March 3, clashes broke out in Nasir between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and armed civilians (White Army), resulting in the capture of the town’s army barracks by the White Army

By James Chatim

Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the national army (SSPDF), Gen. Paul Nang Majok, arrived in Nasir on Monday morning, a day after government troops gained control of Nasir town in Upper Nile State.

Gen. Nang was joined in Nasir by Maj. Gen. Kong Thou, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) commander who led the operation to reclaim the town, along with other senior military officers.

While speaking to soldiers stationed in Nasir Town, Gen. Nang applauded the army’s bravery, describing them as heroes and courageous.

The CDF praised the soldiers for their sacrifices in restoring government control over the town.

On Sunday, SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang in a statement said the national army had taken back control of Nasir.

“On behalf of SSPDF command, the National Army Spokesman would like to officially announce to own rank & file and the members of the public on re-liberation of the historical town of Nasir,” the statement said, adding:

“The redemption of Nasir is the greatest Easter Holidays gift for servicemen who had paid the ultimate price during its defence and recapture.”

The town of Nasir, located on the Sobat River in Upper Nile State, 26 km from the border with Ethiopia, has experienced tensions over the years, with the latest and most devastating taking place early March.

On March 3, clashes broke out in Nasir between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and armed civilians (White Army), resulting in the capture of the town’s army barracks by the White Army.

During an SSPDF evacuation attempt on March 7, helicopters belonging to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) came under attack, resulting in the killing of a crew member and serious injuries to two others.

Several members of the national army, including an injured General, were killed during the attempt by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to extract them from the area, which, according to the UN, was made at the request of all parties.

The evacuation was part of UNMISS’ efforts to help prevent violence in Nasir and de-escalate political tensions, following recent clashes between the SSPDF and armed youth which caused significant casualties and civilian displacement.

“The attack on UNMISS personnel is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law. We deeply regret the tragic loss of our colleague and express our sincere condolences to his loved ones,” said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, adding:

“We also regret the killing of those that we were attempting to extract, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received. UNMISS urges an investigation to determine those responsible and hold them accountable.”

In a statement released at the UN Security Council last week, the Head of the UN Mission stressed on the need for all parties to cease hostilities and honour the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

“All our efforts are now focused on preventing a relapse into widespread conflict and refocusing attention on the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement,” said Haysom.

He said misinformation and hate speech are fuelling tensions in an atmosphere “darkly reminiscent” of the 2013 and 2016 conflicts, and called both national and international stakeholders to work urgently towards securing a cessation of hostilities and safeguarding the integrity of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

“The redemption of Nasir is the greatest Easter Holidays gift for servicemen who had paid the ultimate price during its defence and recapture,” said Lul Ruai Koang, SSPDF Spokesperson in a statement.