Fighting resumes in Nasir as tensions escalate between SSPDF and civilians

NASIR – Renewed clashes broke out in Nasir County of Upper Nile State this evening as government forces emerged from their barracks to retrieve the bodies of comrades killed in yesterday’s skirmish with local youths.

According to a senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the violence erupted around 3:00 PM local time within Nasir town when the military deployed artillery to retrieve the fallen soldiers.

Despite pleas from local elders to remain inside the barracks and await the delivery of the bodies, the armed forces refused, escalating tensions.

“The army wanted to collect their colleagues who were killed yesterday,” the official said. “So, they came out at 3:00 PM and the elders in the area asked them to stay in the barracks so that the bodies could be brought to them, but they refused.”

The confrontation resulted in the deaths of two civilians and left one person injured, with County Commissioner Duol Kun Thian’s residence among the damaged properties.

The official reported that Nasir Market bore the brunt of the army’s assault, exacerbating the civilian casualties and property destruction.

“When they came out, they started bombing Nasir Market and this resulted in the two people being killed and the compound of the commissioner at the former UNMISS base destroyed. One person was wounded in the incident,” the official said.

“The government has closed down the network, and people are speaking using Thuraya, which is very expensive for people to use here,” the official added.

In response to the escalating violence, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), issued a statement condemning the bloodshed and urging an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.

“The situation in Nasir demands urgent de-escalation and dialogue to resolve underlying tensions,” Yakani emphasized in a statement extended to Sudans Post, highlighting the toll the conflict has taken on lives and livelihoods in the region.

The recent clashes in Nasir follow a series of violent incidents, including an initial confrontation on Saturday morning triggered by a military attack on local youths at a fishing pool.

Subsequent clashes on Sunday claimed additional lives, with casualties reported on both sides, underscoring the volatile nature of the situation.