In a significant development in South Sudan’s ongoing internal conflict, government forces have successfully retaken control of Nasir, a strategically critical town in Upper Nile State that had become a flashpoint for clashes with rebel forces. The recapture was confirmed by military officials and state authorities on Sunday, marking a turning point in efforts by the transitional government to reassert control over contested regions in the northeast.
Nasir, located near the border with Ethiopia along the Sobat River, has long been a stronghold of opposition activity and a symbol of resistance for factions loyal to former Vice President and opposition leader Riek Machar. The town’s location makes it a key logistical and symbolic target, and its control has changed hands multiple times since the civil war erupted in 2013.
According to a statement from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), the offensive was launched last week after increased rebel movement and attacks on nearby villages. The military claims that the operation was carefully coordinated to minimize civilian casualties and protect essential infrastructure.
Brigadier General Chol Thon, the army commander overseeing the operation, stated:
We have successfully dislodged the rebels from Nasir. The town is now under full government control, and our forces are stabilizing the area to allow civilians to return to their homes.
He added that several weapons, vehicles, and communication equipment were seized, and that key rebel commanders had fled into surrounding rural areas.
The fighting around Nasir in recent weeks had raised alarms among humanitarian agencies, as hundreds of civilians were reportedly displaced, fleeing into remote bushland or across the nearby Ethiopian border. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has yet to confirm full access to the area but has expressed concern about food shortages and medical needs.
Local sources report that while the town itself is largely intact, several outlying villages suffered damage during skirmishes. Human rights groups have called for an independent assessment to determine whether civilians were harmed during the offensive.
The recapture of Nasir is not just a tactical military gain but also a political statement by the government of President Salva Kiir. With peace efforts remaining fragile and several key provisions of the 2018 peace deal still unimplemented, the conflict between government forces and holdout rebel groups particularly the SPLA-IO splinter factions continues to simmer.
A spokesperson for the opposition condemned the attack, accusing the government of violating ceasefire agreements and targeting areas still committed to peaceful dialogue. The assault on Nasir is a provocation and a breach of trust, said Lam Chuol, an opposition liaison officer. We will respond through all available means unless the international community intervenes.
The African Union and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) have both expressed concern about renewed hostilities, warning that territorial gains should not come at the expense of long-term peace and reconciliation. Ethiopia, which borders the region and hosts many South Sudanese refugees, has reportedly increased patrols near the border to monitor any potential spillover.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and return to the negotiation table, reiterating the importance of implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
As calm begins to return to Nasir, government officials say stabilization efforts are underway. Medical teams and humanitarian partners are being mobilized to assess needs on the ground, while military engineers work to clear unexploded ordnance and restore security.
For residents of Nasir, many of whom have lived through cycles of violence and displacement, the future remains uncertain. While the government’s presence may restore order in the short term, long-term peace will depend on meaningful dialogue, accountability, and the full implementation of the fragile peace agreement signed in 2018.
