The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday reported violent clashes in northern South Sudan that killed civilians and left a peacekeeper injured.
Despite being rich in oil, South Sudan— which gained independence in 2011— continues to grapple with instability, frequent outbreaks of violence, and ongoing political struggles.
According to the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), fighting erupted on February 14 and 15 in Nassir, Upper Nile state, near the Sudanese border. The clashes involved the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and “armed youth.”
The UN statement did not specify which groups were involved in the fighting against the SSPDF, the national military under President Salva Kiir, who leads the country’s unity government.
Some combatants reportedly deployed “heavy weaponry which has, reportedly, resulted in deaths and injuries to civilians as well as armed personnel,” according to the statement.
While the number of casualties was not disclosed, the UN confirmed that a peacekeeper on routine patrol was wounded by mortar fire.
Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, condemned the violence and called for restraint, particularly regarding attacks on UN peacekeepers.
The statement also highlighted “persistent tensions” in Western Equatoria— on the opposite side of the country— involving “organised forces,” though no further details were provided.
Haysom emphasised that these conflicts underscore the urgency of fully deploying South Sudan’s unified armed forces.
The nation previously endured a brutal five-year civil war between President Kiir and his longtime rival, Vice-President Riek Machar.
Under a 2018 peace agreement, South Sudan was supposed to integrate its armed forces before holding elections— a process that has faced repeated delays.
UNMISS has stated that the unification of the army remains incomplete.
