Lawmaker raises alarm over clash in Upper Nile
The Member of Parliament complained about the brewing tension between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and host communities in Nasir County, saying there is urgent need for intervention.
Speaking to the parliament on Wednesday, Gatwech Lam, who represents Nasir County in Upper Nile State, said there was an outbreak of fighting that morning which resulted in casualties among both SSPDF personnel and civilians.
His impassioned narration detailed the recent clashes in Nasir and the severe erosion of trust between local civilians and the armed forces.
This incident marked the second wave of violence within Nasir, highlighting a troubling trend of deteriorating relations between the community and the military presence.
“The relationship between the SSPDF and the community of Nasir has reached a breaking point,” Lam said, underscoring the profound impact of nearly a decade of SSPDF presence in the region.
He expressed deep concern over the ongoing tensions and stressed the urgent need for decisive action to restore peace and rebuild trust.
In response to Lam’s address, Parliament Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba acknowledged the gravity of the situation and urged the Parliament’s Defense Committee to collaborate closely with relevant ministries and security authorities to address the crisis in Nasir.
Kumba emphasised the Parliament’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens affected by the conflict.
“The security sector must take proactive measures to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue between the SSPDF and the Nasir community,” Lam urged in his concluding remarks.
He reiterated the Parliament’s responsibility to oversee efforts aimed at restoring stability and fostering reconciliation in Nasir County.
Lam called for action for sustained efforts toward peace building and conflict resolution in the region, emphasising the imperative of restoring trust and fostering mutual understanding between security forces and local populations.
The SSPDF Spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai, said the conflict ensued when SSPDF officer was killed in Nassir County , leading to a fire exchange between SSPDF and the White Army
“We had SSPDF soldier that had gone to the river to collect sand because his tukul was getting separated in water. While he was trying to collect sand, there was a shot across the river…his attackers were on the southern bank of the river.”
“Of course, fire was exchanged, but there were no casualties, so the soldier we had lost was not killed in fighting; he was killed in cold blood,” Lul said, adding security normalised.
