By Dogga Morris
African National Congress (ANC) party has condemned the recent violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, which resulted in the deaths of an army general and 28 soldiers.
ANC party, is a signatory to the 2018 peace agreement.
Speaking on occasion of International Women’s Day at the party headquarters in Juba, ANC Chairperson, George Kongor Arop urged signatories to the 2018 peace agreement to pursue peaceful resolutions to all grievances.
“We condemned and denounced what is happening in Nasir and any other location in South Sudan. We urge the government to appropriately and accordingly act to bring peace and security to the people across the country,” he said.
Mr. Kongor asserted that violence is not a solution for addressing grievances.
“Seek your claims democratically, and you will achieve them,” he stated. “No matter how long it takes, pursue peaceful means. Violence does not give you what you need.”
Upper Nile State has recently experienced intense conflict between government forces and the “white army,” a local militia group.
The clashes originated from a planned South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) troop rotation, which the “white army” resisted.
The violence led to the deaths of an army general, 28 government soldiers, and a UN staff member. It also caused widespread displacement.
Addressing the same event, ANC Secretary-General and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Albino Akol Atak, called on all parties to fully implement the peace agreement to facilitate upcoming elections.
He also called for urgent humanitarian aid for the displaced, stating that many remain unsettled and require immediate support.
“This incident has created a humanitarian crisis requiring collective support for vulnerable populations,” he stated.
“This incident has left a humanitarian situation that needs all of us to support the vulnerable people,” he stated, expressing gratitude for UNMISS’s assistance in evacuating the soldiers.
The violence in Upper Nile and recently in Western Equatoria State and Western Bahr el Ghazal has sparked strong condemnation from both regional and international bodies.
On Saturday, African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
Mr. Faki said the violence threatens the peace process, urging all parties to exercise utmost restraint.
He called on authorities to hold those responsible for the violence fully accountable and to take swift measures to protect civilians.
Mr. Faki further demanded an immediate end to hostilities, adherence to ceasefire agreements, and for all parties to urgently engage in national dialogue.
The African Union Commission is currently consulting with authorities, IGAD, and other stakeholders to identify common actions aimed at de-escalating the situation.