South Sudan Evacuates Civilians Amid Escalating Military Conflict

The South Sudanese government has ordered civilians to evacuate northern areas following airstrikes against the White Army, an armed group that has attacked military bases and endangered a 2018 peace deal. Government claims of civilian casualties and increasing military tensions highlight the escalating conflict in Nasir County.

The government of South Sudan has issued an evacuation order for civilians residing in a northern area following an airstrike against an armed faction accused of attacking a military base and a United Nations helicopter. This development comes amidst escalating violence in Nasir County, which jeopardizes the peace agreement established in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, intended to conclude a devastating five-year civil war that resulted in over 400,000 fatalities.

Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth announced that civilians remaining in military zones who refuse to vacate will face consequences. He confirmed an airstrike was executed on Sunday night, which the army plans to continue as clashes with the armed group known as the White Army persist.

Local authorities have reported a significant number of civilian casualties resulting from the airstrike, although the army did not acknowledge these fatalities. Tensions have escalated as government troops engage with the White Army, which is perceived to have ties to Vice President Machar.

Recent actions by President Kiir, including the dismissal of officials believed to be loyal to Machar, have further strained relations. Machar asserted that “persistent violations through unilateral decisions and decrees threaten the very existence” of their peace agreement. Earlier this month, government forces surrounded Machar’s residence in Juba, leading to the arrest of several allies after the White Army’s offensive on the military base in Nasir County.

In summary, South Sudan’s government has mandated the evacuation of civilians from conflict zones in northern areas, particularly Nasir County. This order follows an airstrike against an armed group, implicating a renewed threat to the fragile peace established in 2018. The ongoing military actions and political tensions highlight the delicate situation within the region as government forces confront the White Army and navigate strained relations between President Kiir and Vice President Machar.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com