South Sudan Issues Ultimatum to White Army Amid Rising Tensions

South Sudan has ordered the White Army to vacate military zones, particularly Nasir, threatening military action against them. Recent clashes have resulted in casualties, raising concerns about a return to civil conflict. Uganda has also deployed military support to bolster President Kiir’s government amid these tensions.

The government of South Sudan has issued a strict ultimatum to the White Army, the Nuer militia group, demanding their immediate withdrawal from Nasir and other military zones to avoid military action. The White Army is accused of engaging in conflict with the South Sudanese Defence Forces (SSDF), with recent clashes in Nasir resulting in casualties including a UN crew member and an SSPDF general.

Information Minister Michael Makuei expressed the government’s position, stating, “The White Army that claims to be civilians and who have decided to take up arms against the government must go back to their respective home before we take any action.” He emphasized that civilians remaining in military zones would be regarded as combatants and face necessary force from the government.

The conflict has intensified since the White Army captured Nasir on March 3, drawing the government into a confrontation. Recent military actions, including airstrikes on the Nasir airstrip, were taken to disrupt the White Army’s supply lines. United Nations officials have noted alarming parallels between the current situation and the crises preceding the 2015 civil war, which resulted in widespread displacement and atrocities.

As tensions escalate, the government accuses the SPLM/A-IO of supporting the White Army offensive, leading to widespread crackdowns on opposition figures. Meanwhile, Machar criticized the actions of his government partners, asserting that the peace agreement is in jeopardy. He remarked, “I am probably the first vice president in the world who has been under house arrest for seven years and is still active in the government.”

Uganda endorsed President Kiir’s regime, with the NRM Parliamentary Caucus approving military deployment to South Sudan to restore stability. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba of Uganda’s army declared that actions against Kiir would be seen as a declaration of war. Uganda’s increased military presence, justified by an existing bilateral pact to combat negative forces, has further entrenched President Kiir’s power in the region.

The situation in South Sudan remains perilous, with the government demanding the withdrawal of the White Army from military zones or risking military confrontation. The escalating tensions, reminiscent of prior civil conflicts, highlight the fragile state of peace in the region. As international and domestic pressures mount, the involvement of Uganda complicates the already volatile political landscape.

Original Source: chimpreports.com