By Staff Writer
South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has announced the recapture of Nasir County of Upper Nile State from the “White Army” after months of battle.
In a statement issued yesterday, Army spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang stated, “on behalf of SSPDF command, the National Army Spokesman would like to officially announce to own rank & file and the members of the public on the re-liberation of the historical town of Nasir.
The SSPDF spokesperson further framed the recapture of Nasir as a symbolic victory, stating, “The redemption of Nasir is the greatest Easter Holidays gift for servicemen who had paid the ultimate price during its defense and recapture.”
Over the last few weeks, tension remained high in Nasir County of Upper Nile State after the “White Army”, a militia armed youth group, overran the town last month.
The recent violence in Nasir resulted in numerous deaths, including a South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) area commander and a United Nations pilot.
Rooted in historical divisions, the clashes between the SSPDF and the “White Army” affiliated with allegedly Machar, coupled with widespread attacks on SPLA-IO cantonment sites and unified forces training across the country, reignited fears of a return to full-blown conflict.
The confrontation further led to the arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, with the government accusing him of ordering those attacks.
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, has struggled to maintain stability since the devastating five-year civil war between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar, which ended with the 2018 peace deal.
However, the fragile peace has been repeatedly threatened by continued distrust and renewed clashes between the two leaders, straining relations and destabilizing the nation.