Nasir District, Upper Nile State, is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis as renewed clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and armed youth have forced thousands to flee their homes.
Tensions have been ongoing since early 2024, but violence escalated on February 14, 2025, when SSPDF forces attacked civilians in a marketplace, sparking armed clashes with local youth. Scores of people, including peacekeepers, were injured in the clashes as the army continued its conflict with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Opposition (SPLA/IO).
The violence highlights the fragile security situation in South Sudan, which has been exacerbated by the government’s failure to fully implement a revived peace agreement in 2018. Fundamental security reforms such as unification of the armed forces and disarmament have been hampered by political disagreements, leaving communities vulnerable to attack.
Nasir residents have called for a unified force to replace the national defense forces accused of abuses. However, on February 22, the authorities deployed additional forces, including allied ethnic militias that were not formally part of the unification process. Fearing forced disarmament and further violence, local youth have mobilized in response. The military has denied planning a disarmament operation, while accusing the SPLA/IO of fomenting unrest.
On February 25, the SSPDF launched airstrikes targeting SPLA/IO positions, but civilian areas were also hit, further escalating the conflict. International humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate attacks that do not distinguish between military and civilian targets, and such violations potentially constitute war crimes.
Local leaders have called for dialogue and the suspension of military deployments to avoid further bloodshed. Meanwhile, human rights advocates are stressing the need for stronger civilian protection, accountability for abuses, and international support for lasting peace efforts.
Without urgent intervention, civilians in Nasir will continue to bear the brunt of the escalating violence.