South Sudan’s Government Urges Evacuation As Fighting Escalates

The South Sudanese government has ordered civilians to evacuate conflict zones as military actions intensify against armed factions, jeopardizing the 2018 peace agreement that ended a civil war. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed ongoing airstrikes, while tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar escalate over political dismissals and military engagements.

The South Sudanese government has urged civilians to evacuate a northern region as hostilities intensify. This announcement followed aerial strikes against an armed group involved in capturing a military base and attacking a UN helicopter. The upsurge in violence threatens a 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, which concluded a devastating civil war claiming over 400,000 lives.

Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth informed the media that civilians remaining in designated military zones would face consequences. He confirmed that an airstrike had been carried out in Nasir County and more are planned, despite local reports indicating civilian casualties from the bombing. The military has not acknowledged any civilian deaths.

Clashes continue between government forces and the White Army, a faction allegedly linked to Machar. Tensions escalated after President Kiir dismissed officials aligned with Machar, who voiced concerns regarding the unilateral actions undermining the peace process. Earlier this month, government soldiers surrounded Machar’s residence in Juba, further heightening political strife in the region.

In conclusion, the South Sudanese government has mandated civilians to leave conflict zones in the north amid increasing violence that endangers a fragile peace agreement. With the military’s airstrikes and ongoing clashes against armed factions, the country’s stability remains precarious, necessitating urgent attention to protect civilians and uphold peace treaties.

Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk