The main market in Nasir, a town in Upper Nile State, remained closed on Tuesday following an exchange of gunfire on Monday evening.
The incident, which involved artillery fire allegedly directed at the market by elements of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), has heightened tensions in the area.
The security situation in Nasir has been fragile since February 14, when clashes broke out between the SSPDF and armed civilians, known as the White Army. The fighting, which occurred on the outskirts of the town, resulted in the deaths of five people and left several others injured. Many residents have since fled, leaving the town largely deserted.
Nasir County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday morning that Monday’s gunfire prompted the market’s closure, with only a few women continuing to provide food services.
He explained that many traders had fled the town after the February 14 clashes, and while some had returned, they abandoned their businesses again following the latest incident.
“Initially, the gunfire was confined to the SSPDF barracks, but the soldiers later directed their weapons toward the market,” Gatluak said. “The shooting was intense, involving heavy machine guns and artillery such as Twelve, Zoo, and Howitzers.”
The commissioner described the gunfire, which lasted about 15 minutes, as “brief but terrifying.” He added that the reason for the shooting remains unclear.
“The incident occurred at 3 pm and caused panic, forcing women to flee. People have been living in fear, especially with the SSPDF deploying forces toward Nasir,” Gatluak said. “This morning, at 9 am, women running tea stalls and restaurants reopened, but the rest of the market remains closed.”
Gatluak also noted that the situation had calmed since Monday evening and that he had urged local youth to remain peaceful.
Radio Tamazuj was unable to reach the SSPDF for comment.