The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) Director, Ter Manyang has strongly condemned the recent violent clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, involving both the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed youth.
These attacks, which targeted civilians, underscore the continued absence of a unified national army—a critical requirement outlined in Chapter Two of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Ter expressed deep concern over the unacceptable actions of the national army, whose primary duty is to protect civilians, not harm them.
The organization is calling for the expedited unification of the armed forces into a single, cohesive national military, one that reflects the country’s diverse character and operates in the interest of all its citizens.
The Activist is calling the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to launch a thorough investigation into these incidents and hold those responsible to account.
Ter emphasizes that those responsible for offensive, provocative, or retaliatory attacks, prohibited under the R-ARCSS, must face accountability. It urges the immediate commencement of the second phase of the unification of forces to prevent further violence by the SSPDF or armed groups in the area.
This is not the first time such incidents have plagued Nasir County. Senior commanders, along with national leaders, must take responsibility and discourage such destructive behaviors to ensure peace and stability across South Sudan.
The rights group also criticized the apparent inaction of the nation’s leadership, including President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Riek Machar, and the four Vice Presidents, who it claims remain complacent in Juba while much of the country continues to face instability. The organization stressed the need for genuine peace that benefits all citizens, rather than the selective peace currently seen in parts of the country.
