By Jacob Onuha Nelson
Upper Nile State Civil Society Originations Network (UNSCSON) has called on the communities in the state to embrace peace and work together for stability to prevail in restive state.
The network appealed to warring parties, South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and armed youth (white army) to cease hostilities by adhering to the 2017 ceasefire deal.
In a statement extended to No.1 Citizen, the network called on communities to work for peace.
“Let us come together as one community to heal and rebuild, violence will only lead to more suffering,” partly read the statement.
“We call on everyone to work together to ensure peace and stability in Malakal and Upper Nile state,” it added.
Besides, the activists encouraged all parties to engage in dialogue, and collaborate with local leaders and authorities to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.
“Together, we can address our concerns in a peaceful manner. Promoting constructive dialogue to resolve conflicts and prevent escalation, “they stated.
Rights group reiterated the importance of upholding human rights, justice and dignity in the state, encouraging the residents to work towards rebuilding the broken social fabric.
“The path to recovery is not easy, but together, we can build our community, heal our wounds, and create a safer, more secure future for our children,” activists affirmed.
UNSCSON encouraged the communities to stay calm and exercise patience and restraint to prevent further harm in their respective communities.
In his part, the executive director of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) Mr. Ter Manyang Gatwech waved a red flag citing that fighting in Nasir could jeopardise 2028 peace deal.
He claimed that renewed fighting between SSPDF and the white army began yesterday at around 4 o’clock in the evening when a member of the armed youth was shot dead by element from the army.
“Earlier that morning, at around 4 AM, heavy fighting had resumed between SSPDF and white army in Nasir County,” Ter claimed.
“Both SSPDF and the white army should adhere to the 2017 ceasefire. This is a serious concern for the people of South Sudan as well as the international community, and diplomats present in Juba,” he added.
CPA urged the South Sudan Peoples’ Defence Forces to act professionally as the national army.
“Government of South Sudan has a responsibility to protect citizens, not use bullets against them,” he added.
Adding the duos should be mindful of international laws such as international human rights and International Humanitarian law.
Over the weekend, the First Vice President (FVP), Dr. Riek Machar Teny engaged Upper Nile authorities, local leaders, and armed youth to de-escalate the tension arising from army rotation
Machar, who is also the leader of South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) met with county commissioners from Ulang and Nasir, along with leaders of armed groups, to discuss the conflict that arose from the unilateral replacement of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Wech-Yar Adiu of Nasir County.
However, the SPLM/A-IO denied involvement in any battle, branding the claims as a “fabrication” and “provocation.”
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai, the SSPDF spokesperson, issued a final warning and appeal to SPLA-IO and the White Army.
He claimed that credible intelligence indicated the use of heavy artillery, such as Zuu-23, 14.5mm, and 12.7mm, in Nasir’s marketplaces and army lines.
Since combat erupted two weeks ago, it is unclear how many people have died because officials on the ground have yet to reveal any casualties from warring groups.