The White Army, a Nuer militia allegedly linked to Riek Machar, overran a South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) base in Nasir, Upper Nile State—a strategic town on the South Sudan–Ethiopia border. The violence was reportedly triggered by disagreements over the planned replacement of the SSPDF forces that had been stationed in Nasir for nearly eight years with a unified force comprising the SSPDF, Agwelek, and Abushok militias. This development sparked renewed violence and heightened political tensions between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Riek Machar Teny, Chairman of the SPLM-IO.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) came under fire in Nasir, Upper Nile State, by the White Army while two of its helicopters were conducting an evacuation of stranded SSPDF personnel. The attack resulted in tragic casualties, including a UN crew member and the late General Majur Dak.
Uganda deployed special forces in South Sudan amid escalating tensions.
An aerial bombing in Nasir reportedly killed more than 20 people, including children.
First Vice President Riek Machar and his wife, Angelina Teny—who also serves as Minister of Interior—were placed under formal house arrest by the government in Juba. The move led to a major escalation of the crisis in the country, with Machar’s party declaring it as the collapse of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
The South Sudanese army recaptured the town of Nasir where the current conflict started.
