2025 Nasir clashes

Nasir clashes
Part of the aftermath of the South Sudanese Civil War
Date 3–7 March 2025 Location Nasir, South Sudan Result SSPDF evacuates Nasir
Belligerents
Nuer White Army	SSPDF
Commanders and leaders
Ter Chuol Gatkuoth	Majur Manyok †
Strength
unknown	around 40 soldiers
Casualties and losses
more than 40 killed 77 wounded	27+ killed
1 UNMISS helicopter crew member killed, 2 wounded

Clashes broke out in the South Sudanese town of Nasir between members of the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the local Nuer White Army on 3 March 2025, leading to the SSPDF evacuation of the town and the arrests of several politicians.

Background

The town of Nasir is located on the Sobat River in Upper Nile State, 26 km (16 mi) from the border with Ethiopia. The Nuer people are the primary inhabitants, and the town was a stronghold of the Nuer-majority Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) during the South Sudanese Civil War. The town was largely destroyed when captured by government forces in May 2014; the town was retaken by SPLA-IO forces in July 2014.

Even after the signing of the R-ARCSS—the agreement that ended the civil war—in 2018, tensions in Nasir remained high. On 10–11 February 2024, clashes broke out between White Army members and soldiers with the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) after a dispute involving fishing nets, leaving several dead. The White Army has protested the SSPDF presence in the town, calling for Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) to replace the soldiers, who are perceived as partisan. On 14–15 February 2025, four SSPDF soldiers were killed when White Army members attacked a group collecting firewood; at least 10 civilians were injured in the resultant shelling.

Conflict

Around 4 p.m. on Monday, 3 March, a White Army member was killed by the SSPDF, sparking clashes which continued until Tuesday evening. White Army members secured the town of Nasir as well as part of the Wec Yar Adiu army barracks located around 3 km (2 mi) west of the town. On Wednesday, 5 March, the White Army and the government agreed to allow the SSPDF troops to be airlifted out of Nasir using a UNMISS helicopter; however, the evacuation was delayed until Friday, 7 March, and the SSPDF soldiers took refuge in armed vehicles. When the helicopter arrived, an exchange of fire with the White Army led to the death of one of the UNMISS helicopter operators and around 27 SSPDF soldiers.

Political consequences

In the aftermath of the clashes, several politicians associated with the SPLA-IO were put under house arrest. On 4 March, General Gabriel Duop Lam, the chief of staff for the SPLA-IO was arrested on unspecified charges, and around midnight on 5 March, Puot Kang Chol, the minister of petroleum, was also arrested in Juba. SSPDF soldiers also surrounded the home of First Vice President Riek Machar. On 6 March, Stephen Par Kuol, the minister of peacebuilding, was arrested in his office; he was released on the morning of 7 March.

SSPDF losts and reactions

The SSPDF barrack was captured by the White Army leading to the killing of the top commander of the SSPDF, Major General Majur Dak, and 27 SSDPF solidiers. Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesman condemned the attack and accused Riek Machar of interference with the evacuation process.

Reactions

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) expressed concern over the clashes, urging the parties to reaffirm their commitment to the R-ARCSS peace agreement.