Nearly 40 soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), including their commander, are set to be evacuated from the town of Nasir following intense fighting with a local militia known as the White Army, Radio Tamazuj has learnt.
The decision to withdraw the troops comes after clashes on Tuesday, during which the White Army, a loosely organized group of predominantly Nuer youth, overran the town and seized control of its military barracks.
Puok Both Baluang, the press secretary for First Vice President Riek Machar, also confirmed the evacuation, describing it as an effort to de-escalate tensions in the county.
“The White Army overran the military barracks after fighting with the SSPDF on Tuesday,” Mr. Puok said. “The remaining soldiers are taking cover inside armored vehicles and tanks.”
He added that an agreement had been reached between Gen. Majur Manyok, the SSPDF commander in Nasir, local officials, and White Army leaders to allow a United Nations aircraft to airlift the stranded soldiers.
“The initiative is being spearheaded by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to evacuate the SSPDF soldiers who are stranded in Nasir. UNMISS plane will carry about 19 people per trip, but the total number of soldiers to be evacuated could reach 40,” Mr. Puok said. “Priority will be given to the wounded.”
The evacuation from Nasir to Malakal and then to Juba is expected to take place in batches, with the first flight scheduled for Wednesday evening.
SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Lul Ruai Koang could not immediately be reached for comment.
The fighting in Nasir, a strategic town near the Ethiopian border, underscores the fragility of South Sudan’s peace process. The White Army, which has played a significant role in past conflicts, is known for its involvement in ethnic violence and opposition to government forces.
Tensions in the area of Nasir escalated after the government announced plans to replace long-standing troops with new forces. Local armed youth have expressed concerns that the incoming troops might target civilians or initiate a disarmament campaign.
The community has rejected the deployment, calling instead for a unified force to be sent to the area.
Civil society activist Edmund Yakani urged all parties to the peace agreement to work toward calming the situation, warning that delays could lead to further escalation.
“The military incidents in parts of the country are deeply concerning,” Mr. Yakani said. “We urge the White Army leaders in Nasir to embrace peace and refrain from violence. Dialogue should be used to address grievances related to the presence of the SSPDF in Nasir.”
South Sudan has struggled to fully integrate its various armed groups into a single national army, a key provision of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war.
Although the country has been formally at peace since the agreement, political tensions remain high as South Sudan prepares for its first post-independence elections, scheduled for December 2026.