A recent airstrike by South Sudan’s air force has resulted in 19 deaths near the Ethiopian border, escalating tensions between government forces and the White Army. This incident threatens to revive ethnic conflicts reminiscent of the civil war that occurred from 2013 to 2018. Government officials attribute the attack to retaliation against recent military losses, while the complexity of alliances and international involvement complicate the situation further.
South Sudan’s air force conducted a significant airstrike in the eastern region, reportedly resulting in 19 fatalities, as confirmed by local residents. This incident occurred shortly after government forces withdrew from the area amidst ongoing clashes with an ethnic group known as the White Army, composed mainly of armed Nuer youths. The recent violence poses a risk of reigniting the civil war that persisted from 2013 to 2018 and led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands.
The conflict unfolded in Nasir, adjacent to the Ethiopian border, where the government accused First Vice President Riek Machar’s party, representing the Nuer community, of collaborating with the White Army. This group had previously allied with Machar’s forces during the civil war against President Salva Kiir’s predominantly Dinka troops. In contrast, Machar’s party has refuted any claims of involvement.
A South Sudanese general was one of 27 military personnel who perished on March 7 when a U.N. helicopter trying to evacuate them was attacked in Nasir. During a press conference, Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed the airstrike took place in Nasir on Monday morning, although community leader Kang Wan indicated that it occurred late Sunday night. Initial reports indicated that 15 individuals were killed on the spot, with others subsequently succumbing to their injuries. Wan described the tragic scene, stating, “All of them got burned, everything got burned.”
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported treating three patients who sustained injuries from the bombing, with two of them pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Nasir County Commissioner James Gatluak Lew, a supporter of Machar, implied that the air force’s actions were likely in response to the recent helicopter assault. In the broader context, Uganda had announced it deployed special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to assist with security; however, the South Sudanese government denied the presence of Ugandan troops, though Makuei acknowledged some units were there to support the national army as needed.
In summary, the escalation of violence near the Ethiopian border following a South Sudan airstrike has heightened concerns of a potential resurgence of civil war. The clash between government forces and the White Army underscores the deep-seated ethnic tensions in South Sudan. The situation remains precarious, with international attention focused on regional stability and humanitarian outcomes.
Original Source: myind.net
