The leader of
the Lou-Nuer White Army in Buong, Koat Nyang Banak, has officially handed over eight survivors of the recent clashes in Nasir to the South Sudan People’s
Defense Forces (SSPDF).
The
survivors, accompanied by Banak, arrived at Juba International Airport, where
they were received by SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai and Marlin David
Kuony, chairperson of the Akobo County Emergency Evacuation Team.
“The local
protection for the White Army had been responsible for their (survivors)
protection. The local leadership, the traditional chiefs, the Payam leadership,
and the rest took care of them from that day up to today,” Lul told reporters at
the airport on Thursday.
In late
February 2025, clashes erupted between government forces and the White Army, an
armed youth militia allied with the Sudan People’s Liberation
Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).
The White
Army opposed the redeployment of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces
(SSPDF), arguing that the forces remained non-unified, contrary to the
provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in
South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
“On the 7th
of this month, Nasir town in Upper Nile State was attacked and overran by the
White Army. After it was overrun, of course our forces were dislodged,” Lul
stated.
“After the
forces were dislodged from Nasser, they fled in different directions, and the
majority of the forces sought refuge in different villages in Ulang county.”
The fighting
led to the deaths of several soldiers, including SSPDF Commander Gen. Majur
Dak, as well as a UN helicopter crew member.
The United
Nations has condemned the incident, emphasizing the fragility of South Sudan’s
peace process and raising concerns about the future of the 2018 peace
agreement.
When the
fighting erupted nearly two weeks ago, SSPDF soldiers scattered into the
surrounding bushes, with some seeking refuge in nearby villages.
Those who
fell into the hands of the White Army were disarmed, including the eight
soldiers led by Maj. Michael Chieruai.
“They were
received at Bong village by the leader of the Lou Nuer White Army in Buong. They
received them. His forces kept on receiving them and brought them one by one to
Bong, Payam headquarters, upon their arrival until today,” Lul disclosed.
The
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), along with the international
community and the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, has
called for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue between the conflicting parties.
They have urged all sides to uphold the peace agreement, as the ongoing violence poses a significant threat to the country’s stability.