At least 20 civilian casualties have been reported following an airstrike last night in the Upper Nile state, allegedly carried out by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). Local officials confirmed the attack took place around 11 PM, with gunships suspected to have been deployed by the UPDF under the direction of the South Sudanese government.
Witness Samuel Mai described the horrifying aftermath, stating that many of the injured, mostly women and children, had visible symptoms of chemical exposure, with their bodies taking on a pale, white appearance. He further accused the South Sudanese government of using chemical weapons against its own people.
The affected areas included Nasir, Longeshuk, Ulang, and Maban, areas already destabilized by recent clashes between the White Army and South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) soldiers.
Prominent South Sudanese artist Kang JJ took to social media, accusing the government of using chemical weapons in the attack on Nasir, Longeshuk, and Maban. “These are clear signs of chemical warfare,” he wrote, adding, “To all South Sudanese, it’s clear now that the country has been pushed back into full-scale war. Despite our cries of ‘No to War,’ Vice President Bol Mel’s actions are leading us into this conflict.”
The South Sudanese government has denied the presence of Ugandan soldiers within its borders, a statement that has sparked controversy, especially after Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly confirmed his country’s military involvement.
General Muhoozi, who is also the son of Uganda’s president, took to social media to announce, “Our mission in South Sudan has just begun. We are offering the White Army a chance to surrender to the UPDF before it’s too late. We seek unity, but if you choose to fight us, you will all die.”
This marks not the first time Uganda has supported South Sudan’s government. In 2014, Uganda sent troops to South Sudan during the civil war, fighting alongside President Salva Kiir’s government against forces loyal to Vice President Riek Machar.
The latest Ugandan airstrike on Greater Nasir has drawn widespread condemnation from South Sudanese citizens, further raising concerns about the future of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The attack, reportedly aimed at White Army factions, is feared to escalate regional instability and worsen an already fragile security situation.
Ethiopia has expressed serious concerns about the presence of Ugandan troops fighting alongside the SSPDF. The Ethiopian government warned that it would not remain silent if the situation escalates, particularly given the potential for a massive influx of refugees into Ethiopia.
. Local officials confirmed the attack took place around 11 PM, with gunships suspected to have been deployed by the UPDF under the direction of the South Sudanese government.){kind=link}