A relative calm has been restored in Upper Nile State’s Nasir Town following Thursday night’s heavy gunfire that caused fear and forced residents to flee their homes.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Friday morning, Nasir County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep said calm was restored and the market reopened with residents returning to their houses.
“On Thursday at 9pm, heavy shooting erupted at the military barrack in Nasir Town, forcing civilians to flee. The shooting was within the barrack and not targeted at civilians because I also live in the town,” he stated.
“After 20 minutes, the gunfire stopped. I reached out to the area’s brigade commander, but it was not clear what triggered the shooting. Those who fled started returning last night because we went out on microphone, asking everyone to return,” Gatluak added.
The Commissioner said the incident was being investigated.
“We are now investigating the incident. On Monday at 8am, there was a similar incident by soldiers protesting their long stay in Nasir. They only stopped shooting after being promised that they will be taken away from Nasir in three days. The ultimatum elapsed yesterday, and we are not sure if that triggered this latest shooting,” he explained.
Calls to SSPDF spokesperson Gen Lul Ruai Koang went unanswered.