The Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) is calling for accountability from the governments of South Sudan and Uganda following their alleged systematic bombing of civilians in Nasir and Longechuk counties in Upper Nile State on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 11 PM, according to local sources.
The CPA Director, Ter Manyang in a statement has called on the African Union, IGAD, the United Nations Security Council, and the international community to hold both governments responsible for their actions against civilians in these regions. These attacks undermine the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and have led to the deaths of 21 people, including two children and two women.
This is not the first instance of Uganda’s involvement in South Sudan’s internal affairs. In 2013, Uganda deployed its forces, a move that was met with backlash from the South Sudanese public. The CPA has urged Uganda to pursue diplomatic solutions rather than military intervention, which could have severe consequences for ordinary citizens.
Unverified reports have suggested that Uganda used cluster bombs against civilians in 2013 and 2014, and the CPA insists that the government should be held accountable for these actions as well.
The conflict in Nasir County is an internal issue within South Sudan that does not warrant external intervention. This situation stems from the lack of proper security arrangements outlined in Chapter Two of the R-ARCSS.
The presence of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan has only extended the suffering of civilians. The CPA is calling on both Uganda and South Sudan to respect international humanitarian law, human rights law, and the principles of international law.
