Clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and a local armed group known as the White Army have been reported in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, resulting in an unspecified number of casualties and forcing many residents to flee.
The fighting, which began early on Monday, is said to be ongoing, with reports of heavy machine gunfire and aerial bombardment.
A local youth leader, Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, told Radio Tamazuj that the violence has caused civilian casualties and displaced many into surrounding areas for safety.
“The government soldiers told us yesterday that there would be no fighting, and we agreed. Our people returned, but surprisingly, this morning, they started to shell us in the town with their big machine guns, and they also bombed us by planes,” Chuol said.
He added that several people had been killed, though the exact number remains unclear.
Chuol, who is currently in Nasir town, accused government forces of targeting civilians and undermining peace efforts in the county. “We, the people of Nasir, feel that we are not part of South Sudan because of what is being done to us here,” he said.
The security situation in Upper Nile State has been unstable since mid-February, following earlier clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army in Nasir County. Tensions escalated further after the government sent additional forces, including elements of the Agwelek militia group led by General Johnson Olony.
Local communities have expressed concerns that the deployment could lead to civilian targeting or a disarmament campaign. They have called for the deployment of the Necessary Unified Force, as outlined in the 2018 peace agreement, rather than the current forces.
Nasir County Commissioner Gatluak Lew confirmed that fighting is ongoing in Nasir but declined to provide further details, citing the need for more information.
SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang acknowledged the military operation in Nasir County but stated that authorities are still gathering details.
“My boss is still waiting for the operation commander to provide him with the latest updates—there is a problem with the network. We are not getting in touch. As soon as I get that information, I will immediately update you,” Lul said.
Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), warned that the renewed violence threatens the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and its recent extension.
“The renewed fighting between the SSPDF and the White Army began yesterday at around 4 PM when a member of the White Army went to Nasir town and was shot dead by elements of the SSPDF,” Ter explained. He urged both sides to adhere to the 2017 ceasefire and called for dialogue to prevent further escalation.
“Both political leaders will bear primary responsibility if the country returns to full-scale war due to mismanagement of this crisis,” Ter said.
He emphasized the need for the SSPDF to act professionally as the national army and for the government to prioritize the protection of civilians.
Radio Tamazuj will update this story as more information becomes available.