Delay in Airlifting SSPDF Troops from Nasir Amidst Rising Tensions

The airlifting of SSPDF troops from Nasir was delayed due to coordination issues among local officials and military commanders. This evacuation aimed to ease tensions after recent clashes with the White Army, which took control of military barracks. Casualties were significant, and community opinions on the airlifting of commander Gen. Majur Manyok remain divided. The situation underscores South Sudan’s ongoing challenges in military integration ahead of future elections.

The airlifting of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops from Nasir County was postponed due to poor coordination among local officials, commanders of the White Army, and the SPLA-IO. This evacuation was intended to alleviate tensions following violence that erupted between the SSPDF and the White Army, particularly after the latter took control of military barracks in the region on Tuesday.

SPLM-IO leaders in Juba initiated the operation with the aim of rescuing troops stranded in Nasir. However, due to SSPDF leaders’ accusations against SPLM-IO of instigating the conflict, tensions have escalated, leading to the detention of several SPLM-IO officials in Juba, complicating de-escalation efforts. The decision to evacuate troops was thought to be a positive step towards easing these tensions.

Local White Army commander Ter Chuol Gatkuoth informed Radio Tamazuj that the airlift was delayed due to the absence of Nasir County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep. He stated, “The UN-chartered airplane has not yet arrived to airlift the SSPDF troops. We are currently in the military barracks in Wich-Yar-Adiu.”

Yien Bonbon, another White Army member, confirmed this delay, indicating that the evacuation would proceed once the aircraft arrives. He noted, “When the aircraft comes today, they will airlift them. Yesterday, the aircraft failed to airlift them because the commissioner did not come to us.”

The community in Nasir is reported to be divided regarding the airlifting of SSPDF commander Gen. Majur Manyok, who remains in a military tank since the barracks were overtaken. While some residents oppose his evacuation to Malakal or Juba, others favor it as a means to mitigate tensions. SPLM-IO officials in Juba were unavailable for immediate comment.

Regarding casualties from the recent fighting, Ter reported that over 40 White Army members had been killed during clashes, which enabled their takeover of the military base. He stated, “Those who were killed were members of the local armed youth. Women and children fled into the bushes, and others fled to Ethiopia due to the conflict.” Both Ter and Yien confirmed the lack of knowledge regarding SSPDF casualties.

Yien reported that the situation in Nasir is now calm, despite noting that over 40 White Army personnel were killed and approximately 77 were injured. He expressed concerns for displaced families, stating, “Women and children fled to Ethiopia and nearby bushes, but we expect them to return once calm is restored.” Meanwhile, the security situation remains stable, with the White Army currently at the military camp they captured following the clashes.

South Sudan faces ongoing challenges in integrating its various armed groups into a unified national army, as stipulated in the 2018 peace agreement that formally ended a protracted civil war. Although peace has nominally been maintained since this agreement, political tensions persist as preparations commence for the upcoming post-independence elections set for December 2026.

The planned evacuation of SSPDF troops in Nasir has been delayed due to logistical issues, reflecting ongoing tensions between military factions in South Sudan. Amidst recent clashes that resulted in significant casualties, community divisions also persist regarding the potential exodus of commander Gen. Majur Manyok. The situation highlights the broader challenges in consolidating military unity in South Sudan, particularly as the nation approaches key electoral milestones.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org