By Yiep Joseph
South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Gen. Paul Nang Majok called on residents of Nasir and Ulang counties to return home as the areas have regain security stability.
According to state-owned media, SSBC, Gen Nang assured the residents of their safety as government forces are now in control of the areas.
“Nasir is now safe. We are calling on all our people who fled during the fighting to return to their homes, the situation is under control,” the statement partly read.
The CDF, speaking upon his return from the two counties on Wednesday, expressed that the security has returned to normal in the conflict counties of Upper Nile state.
According to the statement, the Army Chief’s visit highlights the military’s role in supporting peace and the safe return of communities affected by past insecurity.
CDF Nang stated that the security in Nasir and Ulang continues to be stable, citing that there is need for residents to embark on their normal activities.
“The security situation in Nasir and Ulang is stable”, he said.
On separate reports, the SSPDF has begun rehabilitating flood-devastated Nasir Airstrip with aim to facilitate delivery of food aid and support movement of people returning home.
According to the statement, the Commander of Armoured and Anti-Tank Division, Major General Kong Thou Kong, currently leading operations in Nasir, confirmed that the airstrip restoration is part of the army’s mandate to foster development.
Conflict between South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the white Army that started in March in Nasir and Ulang counties of Upper Nile, left many people dead, with many others displaced.
However, in a previous statement, the Executive Director for Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), Ter Manyang Gatwech expressed scepticism over the safe return of displaced civilians to Nasir and Ulang counties.
“I doubt whether the civilians will come to the town after witnessing deadly violence from the SSPDF,” Gatwech said on Tuesday.
He suggested that religious leaders and civil society representatives be deployed to assess the situation and engage with affected communities, before giving green light for their return.
“There is no trust now between the SSPDF and civilians, especially among the Nuer community, who believe they have been deliberately targeted and killed by their own government forces,” Gatwech said.