March 8, 2025 (SSNA) — Before condemning the incident that tragically resulted in the loss of lives, including that of UN personnel, the international community, including my country, Canada, must first investigate the underlying causes of the conflict that led to the deadly confrontation between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army in Nasir and Ulang counties. Signed in 2018, the revitalized peace agreement established unified, trained forces to oversee the country’s security. These forces are composed of members from a variety of political parties. The intention was to prevent the involvement of untrained militias that aim to cause disorder.
The White Army in Nasir and Ulang counties requested that the national unity government deploy only neutral or unified forces to the area before the conflict escalated. They contended that the current forces were causing substantial issues, such as the displacement of people, the devastation of civilian property, and the killing of civilians. Nevertheless, President Salva Kiir and his party elected to utilize tribal militias from the Shilluk and Dinka groups. In addition, they directed the disarmament of the White Army in Ulang and Nasir, despite the White Army’s efforts to safeguard civilians from the destabilizing actions of Salva Kiir’s forces.
According to media reports, the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, made numerous attempts to meet with President Kiir to alleviate tensions between the SSPDF and the White Army. Unfortunately, President Kiir’s disarmament plan remained intact, leading to a deadly clash between the White Army and his forces. This confrontation culminated in the capture of the military facilities in Nasir. The situation was further exacerbated by President Kiir’s order to mass arrest members of the SPLM/A-IO, including military personnel and politicians, on the false accusation that they were complicit with the White Army in Nasir and Ulang. The detention of senior members of the opposing group remains uncertain. The Minister of Petroleum, the Chief of Staff of the SPLM/A-IO forces, and other prominent members have been subjected to severe torture, according to reports. Some of them have already been reported deceased.
It is imperative that the international community, which encompasses the United States, Canada, the African Union, Norway, Australia, and the European Union, take urgent action to avert a potential catastrophe in South Sudan before another genocide occurs. The South Sudan National Security Service has declared its commitment to continue apprehending individuals suspected of having connections to the White Army. As a result, the Nuer community is becoming more apprehensive and perceives that the government in Juba is targeting them, a sentiment that is reminiscent of Salva Kiir’s actions in 2013. Despite the fact that the SPLM/A-IO is composed of members from all tribes in South Sudan, including the Dinka tribe, the majority of those apprehended are Nuer.
In conclusion, the international community, including Canada, must investigate the root causes of the conflict between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army in Nasir and Ulang counties before publicly condemning the incident. The revitalized 2018 peace agreement aimed to prevent untrained militias from causing disorder. Nevertheless, President Salva Kiir elected to disarm the White Army and deploy tribal militias, which resulted in a lethal confrontation. The First Vice President endeavored to alleviate tensions; however, Kiir persisted with the disarmament plan, which led to the seizure of the military facilities in Nasir. The Nuer community is concerned about the South Sudan National Security Service’s ongoing arrests of individuals who are suspected of having connections to the White Army.
Written by:
James Tot Mathiang
South Sudanese Canadian
BA, MS (GDP)-CPRRP, MSW,