Clashes in South Sudan’s Nasir County, Upper Nile State, between the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) and armed civilians—commonly referred to as the “White Army”—highlight a troubling lack of trust between the civilian population and the national army.
The skirmishes in Nasir are not an isolated incident. Similar clashes have occurred in other parts of the country. For example, in August 2020, fighting erupted between the SSPDF and armed civilians in Warrap State during a disarmament exercise, resulting in the deaths of over 80 people, according to media reports.
The relationship between the military and civilians is a critical dimension of South Sudan’s stability. Unless this relationship is strengthened, building a modern and effective military will remain an uphill task. While technological advancements have transformed military management, the foundation of a modern army remains a human endeavor.
It is therefore high time for the SSPDF to prioritize building a better relationship with the very civilians it is mandated to protect. One practical step would be to develop a “military-civil engagement manual,” if such a document does not already exist. This manual could guide army officers on how, when, and with whom to engage the civilian population.
The SSPDF must also take intentional steps to ensure that its bases, detachments, and barracks become sources of goodwill for local communities. For instance, army units stationed in an area could drill boreholes to provide water not only for their own use but also for the surrounding civilian population. While this may seem like a small gesture, providing essential services like clean water can significantly improve public perception of the army. Civilians would begin to see the army’s presence as a benefit rather than a burden or a competitor for scarce resources.
During the liberation struggle from 1983 to 2005, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) relied heavily on civilian support for survival. At the time, the people of Southern Sudan wholeheartedly supported the SPLA because it was a liberation army with limited resources. Today, however, the SSPDF is a national army funded by a government engaged in petroleum business and tax collection. As such, the government is expected to fully support the army, reducing its reliance on civilian resources.
The SSPDF could further strengthen its ties with civilians by establishing health centers in areas where troops are stationed. These facilities would primarily serve the army but could also provide basic healthcare services to civilians, such as treating malaria, typhoid, minor injuries, and offering antenatal care for women. Additionally, the army could provide ambulance services and promote hygiene education. Such initiatives would endear the army to the population, reducing conflicts and fostering mutual respect.
The SSPDF should also consider organizing monthly public rallies in collaboration with local authorities and international partners such as the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the African Union (AU). These rallies could serve as platforms to address public security concerns, deliver nationalism lessons, explain the SSPDF’s mandate, and emphasize the importance of the rule of law. Topics for discussion should be informed by prior research into community concerns, ensuring relevance and impact. Speeches should be delivered in local languages or translated to ensure clarity and inclusivity.
Another innovative approach would be to introduce a monthly community service day, during which troops engage in activities such as waste collection, road maintenance, or livestock vaccination. These efforts, coordinated with local authorities, would demonstrate the army’s commitment to serving the people and foster stronger relationships.
Troop rotation is another critical measure. The SSPDF should implement a comprehensive rotation plan, ensuring that units serve in a given area for no more than a year before being relocated. This practice would allow new units to address any unresolved issues with the community and start afresh. It would also expose soldiers to diverse cultures and languages across South Sudan, promoting national unity and understanding.
Discipline within the ranks is equally important. Each army unit should have a disciplinary body to investigate and address reports of human rights violations or crimes committed by soldiers. Holding offenders accountable would build public confidence in the SSPDF and reinforce its commitment to justice.
The SSPDF should also leverage local media to improve communication with civilians. Commanders could collaborate with local authorities, youth leaders, women’s groups, and other stakeholders to host regular radio programs discussing security, community relations, and public holiday arrangements.
In conclusion, the military’s role in the human domain is complex. To address this, the SSPDF should strengthen two key departments: an information department to conduct research and provide actionable insights, and a civil affairs division to engage continuously with the public. Building a better relationship between the national army and civilians is a gradual process that requires innovative thinking, leadership support, and a willingness to experiment with new approaches.
If these measures are implemented, the SSPDF can truly become an army of the people, earning the trust and support of South Sudan’s civilian population.
The writer, Oyet Patrick Charles, is a journalist, lawyer, and Chairperson of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan. He also serves as Vice President of the Federation of Eastern Africa Journalists and is a member of the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC). He can be reached at oyetpatrick12@gmail.com.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.