The Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) on Monday said that the human rights violations committed last week during fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army militia in Nasir County, Upper Nile state are undermining the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.
“CPA has received credible reports indicating that the fighting originated from an incident at the Torjuoc swamp area, located a few miles away from the Wechyar-Adiw Military Barracks,” Ter Manyang Gatwech, the Executive Director of CPA said in a statement issued in Juba.
He said the violence in Upper Nile State has potential to disrupt preparation efforts for the upcoming national general election.
Gatwech revealed that a group of youth from Kurmuot-Two Payam in Ulang County had gone fishing at Torjuoc when SSPDF soldiers from Wechyar-Adiw military barracks opened fire on them.
“This incident sparked the fighting, resulting in the instant death of Muoch Tor from Cie-Buongkoy of Cie-Lony in Kurmuot-Two Payam, as well as critical injuries to Bol Gatwech Lual and Täbän Lieh. One SSPDF soldier was also wounded,” he said.
Gatwech said that the SSPDF soldiers attacked civilians at Där-Wech Kuany-Lual-Thɔään, adding that Gatkhor Riek Bol from Dhuoreding Payam was intentionally shot four times, leading to a full confrontation.
He also said that there is urgent need for the Nasir County authorities and Maj.Gen David Majur Dak the leader of Wechyar-Adiw military barracks and leaders of the White Army to find lasting solutions for peace in the area.
“The tension in the area remains high, with displaced civilians, burned houses, looted properties, and unconfirmed reports of elderly and children drowning in the river,” Gatwech said. “Six SSPDF soldiers and two members of the White Army have been reported as casualties. CPA urges the members of SSPDF to act as a professional army when such incidents occur,” he added
