The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called for immediate de-escalation in South Sudan following renewed violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State, that has left scores dead and threatens the country's fragile peace process.
IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu told the 43rd Extraordinary Summit of IGAD Heads of State and Government that the latest clashes between the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army militia have placed the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement in jeopardy. "The security situation in South Sudan deteriorated on March 4, when an estimated 6,000 White Army combatants overran an SSPDF encampment in Nasir, inflicting significant casualties," said Gebeyehu.
He noted that tensions escalated further on March 7 when a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) operation to evacuate stranded SSPDF personnel resulted in the deaths of General Majur Dak, several soldiers, and a UN crew member.
The United Nations has condemned the incident as a potential war crime and called for an investigation.
