The Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) for South Sudan people Defense Forces (SSPDF) Gen Paul Nang Majok has called on residents from Nasir and Ulang Counties to return home citing security stability.
Addressing Journalist in Juba during after his return from Upper Nile state, Gen Nang assured the residents of their safety as the government forces controlled the area.
“The security situation in Nasir and Ulang is stable and urge the residents to return to their houses” he said
General Nang called on displaced residents of Nasir and Ulang to return home, assuring them of improved safety and stability in the area
The CDF expressed that the security has return to normality in the conflict counties in Upper Nile state, Nasir and Ulang.
“The security is stabile in Nasir and Ulang Counties of Upper Nile State” he said
According to the statement, the Army Chief’s visit highlights the military’s role in supporting peace and the safe return of communities affected by past insecurity.
CDF Nang stated that the security in Nasir and Ulang continue to be stable citing that there is need for residents to embark on their normal activities.
On separate reports, the SSPDF begun rehabilitating the flood-devastated Nasir Airstrip with aim to facilitate the delivery of food aid and support the movement of people returning home.
According to the statement Major General Kong Thou Kong, the Commander of the Armoured and Anti-Tank Division currently leading operations in Nasir, confirmed that the airstrip restoration is part of the army’s mandate to foster development.
The conflict between South Sudan Peoples DéfenseForces(SSPDF) and the white Army that started in March in Nasir and Ulang counties of Upper Nile left many people dead with many displaced.
In previous statement, the Executive Director for the Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) Ter Manyang Gatwechexpressed scepticism over the safe return of displaced civilians to Nasir and Ulang counties, Upper Nile State.
“I doubt whether the civilians will come to the town after witnessing deadly violence from the SSPDF,” Gatwech told The Dawn in an interview on Tuesday.
He suggested that religious leaders and civil society representatives be deployed to assess the situation and engage with affected communities, before giving green light for their return.
“There is no trust now between the SSPDF and civilians, especially among the Nuer community, who believe they have been deliberately targeted and killed by their own government forces,” Gatwech said.
The SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Paul Nang Majok, said during a visit to Nasir town that stability has been restored following intense fighting since March 4 with the White Army.
“Nasir is now safe. We are calling on all our people who fled during the fighting to return to their homes the situation is under control,” Nang said.
Nang, who is currently touring the eastern counties of Upper Nile State, was joined by senior military officials, including Gen. Johnson Olony and Maj.Gen. Micheal Majok, commander of SSPDF Division Two.
The CDF urged civilians to return weapons taken from SSPDF soldiers during the fighting.
