The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has strongly condemned the recent wave of violence that has led to civilian casualties and mass displacement. Clashes between government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and the “White Army,” a youth militia linked to First Vice President Riek Machar, have intensified in Nasir County, threatening the country’s fragile peace.
UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom revealed that the situation worsened after the militia overran South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) barracks on March 4th. In retaliation, government forces launched bombardments across Upper Nile State, with reports of highly flammable explosives causing severe injuries.
The violence has displaced approximately 63,000 people, raising fears that South Sudan could slide back into civil war. Despite efforts by peace organizations to intervene, the government recently postponed a crucial visit by dignitaries to Juba without explanation.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with recurring conflict, including a civil war from 2013 to 2018 that claimed 400,000 lives. Although a 2018 peace agreement called for the unification of armed forces, UNMISS reports that
