Rising Tensions in Upper Nile: Violence Erupts in South Sudan Amid Political Turmoil

Rising Tensions in Upper Nile: Violence Erupts in South Sudan Amid Political Turmoil

Tensions have soared in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state recently. This violence has led to two murders and countless injuries. An attack on a facility in Nasir claimed the lives of seven individuals, intensifying fears of intercommunal conflict in the region. The South Sudanese government’s reaction has been bloody and violent with a crackdown on opposition figures, adding to an already precarious political environment.

The situation reached a critical point when General David Majur Dak, the base commander, was killed during a United Nations evacuation attempt three days after the Nasir attack. Desperate to quell this new insurgency, the government responded with an aerial bombardment campaign throughout Upper Nile. As Human Rights Watch reports, they have used widespread incendiary-dispersing bombs in these attacks.

The political climate is still fraught even as the country’s opposition leader, Riek Machar, is under house arrest. For his part, Machar has objected vociferously to the deployment of the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan. He condemned this action as a breach of the 2018 arms embargo and peace agreement to stabilize the country. Instead, he’s called on the United Nations to intervene. He cautions that the continued presence of Ugandan forces may directly undermine the delicate peace settlement.

Amid these escalating tensions, a unity government was formed in 2020 to integrate rival armed forces, implement reforms, and prepare for South Sudan’s first elections since its independence in 2011. However, progress has been slow. The local elections, originally due to take place in December 2022, have been pushed back twice already and are currently planned for December 2026.

Humanitarian agencies have said repeatedly that protection of civilians is the primary responsibility of the South Sudanese government. With violence escalating, around 4,000 people were sheltering in internally displaced person (IDP) camps as of March.

In his first address to the nation, President Salva Kiir promised to deliver peace.

“I will never take this country back to war.” – Salva Kiir

Kiir asked citizens not to take the law into their own hands. He further recognized that lack of unity on political objectives has hindered military effectiveness.

One local resident named John shared his concerns:

“We live in fear, we can’t go out for our subsistence, and we have no idea what will happen next.”

John also emphasized the importance of continued protection from peacekeepers, until all provisions of the peace agreement are fully realized.

The humanitarian situation is only going from bad to worse as violence rages on. Jackline Nasiwa, a local advocate, voiced the importance of establishing a stable environment:

“The people of South Sudan cannot heal in an environment of unending violence and political uncertainty.”

Priyanka Chowdhury highlighted ongoing initiatives:

“We have strengthened our countrywide protection efforts, including intensifying patrols and engagement with community leaders at internal displacement sites.”

Chowdhury reiterated that the government is primarily responsible for civilian safety.

“The government of South Sudan is primarily responsible for protecting civilians.”

As tensions rise, violence is once again jeopardizing years of delicate progress toward peace. That’s the magnitude of the moment — the future of South Sudan is literally in the balance. The 2018 peace agreement is viewed by many as “the only viable option for the people of South Sudan to transition to democracy,” making it imperative that all stakeholders commit to its principles.

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