Is South Sudan going back to square one again?

(File Photo/ PPU Photo)

By Jwothab Othow

March 12, 2025

The spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defense Force recently has confirmed the deployment of Uganda’s elite combat forces in South Sudan. President Kiir’s reliance on Uganda’s military capabilities is seen as evidence of South Sudan’s status as a failed state, as it fails to provide security and maintain territorial control. It is suggested that Kiir is deploying Ugandan forces to reclaim Nassir from the Nuer White Army. However, there are questions about whether there are other unseen forces at play beyond the Nuer White Army, aiming to use them to overthrow Kiir’s regime in Juba. The assertion that South Sudan is effectively being colonized by Uganda is supported by President M7’s son’s social media posts. According to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of the Ugandan president, South Sudan is considered part of Uganda’s territory, turning it into a symbolic state. This situation implies that the people of South Sudan may need to initiate a new liberation struggle to free themselves from Ugandan influence.

A few weeks ago, I cautioned the people of South Sudan about President Kiir’s decision to deploy the SSPDF’s disarmament forces in Nasir. They were defeated by the Nuer Notorious White Army in Nassir, resulting in the deaths of some SSPDF soldiers and their commander. It is important for the people of South Sudan to understand the rationale behind President Kiir’s forceful disarmament in Nasir and other parts of the country at this time. Many communities in South Sudan are heavily armed due to Kiir’s regime failing to protect its citizens.

Distrust among South Sudanese political leaders continues to threaten the peace and stability of the young nation. The tribal security forces lack the trust of the civilian population. Both President Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar are obstacles to peace and stability in South Sudan. I consistently maintain that South Sudan will remain unstable as long as President Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar vie for power.

President Kiir’s tribal military being defeated by the Nuer militant, known as the Nuer White Army, raises questions about the country’s army’s ability to defend its people and territory. Kiir’s regime must prioritize ensuring the security of the people and enabling them to reclaim their lands, particularly those who have been displaced from their ancestral territories. There are concerns that Kiir’s strategy might be geared towards inciting new violence in South Sudan to prolong his hold on power.

The citizens of South Sudan need to be prepared for potential new violence as President Kiir appears to be gearing up for a never-ending war. Peace and stability in South Sudan seem unlikely as long as Kiir remains in power. The people of South Sudan must unite as citizens of the nation to free themselves from President Kiir’s corrupt regime. We, as critical thinkers, will not stop speaking out until this regime implements essential reforms, such as guaranteeing the safety, ensuring security, lasting peace, stability and well-being of our citizens, allowing them to return to their homeland with dignity. May God show mercy on the poor citizens of South Sudan.

The author, Jwothab Othow, is a citizen of South Sudan, an activist, and a critic of South Sudan’s authoritarian regime.