Heavy fighting erupted on Monday morning in Nagero County, Western Equatoria State, after forces from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) reportedly attacked a base belonging to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), forcing civilians to flee into nearby bushes, local officials said.
On 28 September, SPLA-IO forces attacked a SSPDF barracks in Nagero County, injuring one government soldier and prompting civilians to flee the area.
The county’s Executive Director, Bernardo Gabriel, confirmed the new clashes to Radio Tamazuj on Monday and said gunfire was heard early in the morning, causing panic among residents.
“The shooting started suddenly, and people ran in different directions. About 160 community members rushed to the SSPDF barracks for safety, while others fled into the bush,” he explained. “We do not yet have reports of casualties, as forces are still pursuing the attackers.”
Residents described scenes of chaos as heavy gunfire echoed across the area, leaving many homes abandoned.
A community member who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity said the situation remains tense.
“People are still hiding in the bush. Some families have not returned home since the fighting began,” he said. “You cannot see anyone in town, only animals roaming around.”
The resident added that displaced civilians, including women and children, are in dire need of food and shelter.
“It has been more than ten days since people fled. Families are sharing what little food they have and sleeping in the open,” he lamented. “We appeal to the government and humanitarian agencies to intervene.”
Another eyewitness reported that a helicopter was seen evacuating some individuals from Nagero to Juba, but their identities remain unknown.
When contacted, a state official who requested anonymity said the Western Equatoria State authorities could not comment on the matter, noting that only military commanders from both the SSPDF and SPLA-IO are authorized to speak on such incidents.
“This is a military issue and the state government will wait for official statements from both sides,” the official said.
Meanwhile, Western Equatoria State Deputy Governor Justin Marona said in Yambio on Sunday that the government is coordinating with national authorities to assess the situation in Nagero.
“We are working to restore peace and stability. Not every Balanda is a rebel, and not every Zande is a rebel,” he stated. “We are protecting all citizens of Western Equatoria State.”
There has been no immediate response from the SPLA-IO or SSPDF leadership regarding the cause of the fighting or the current security situation in Nagero.