South Sudan: The Naath White Army should worry J1

The recent skirmishes and battles in the Upper Nile state and in Nasir County should be a huge concern for the state. This is what happens when you are dismissing and are disregarding civilian outcry. That’s what is happening in the state and the negligence is why this is having a reaction.

Why the state should be worried about it, is when they are saying this about themselves:

“The Naath White Army (Jiec El Abiet) is not just a defense unit—it is the heartbeat of our people. We are self-trained, battle-hardened warriors who have mastered gunfights, sniper warfare, and strategic defense. We are hunters, raised to track and eliminate threats. We do not fear death because we were born to fight for our land” (…) “Nasir has always been a sanctuary, a fortress, a stronghold for those who seek refuge from oppression. Every major leader in South Sudan’s history has relied on Nasir—not because they loved it, but because they needed its strength. Now, we defend it for ourselves” (…) “No politician arms us. We arm ourselves. We are not mercenaries fighting for political gain—we fight for survival, for dignity, and for the future of our people. During the civil war, we captured entire regions. We took weapons from those who sought to destroy us. Today, we remain armed, vigilant, and ready” (…) “Nasir is defended by its sons. If you come for it, you will face the Naath White Army. And we do not forgive. We do not forget” (Mayang Tut Kuer, 19.02.2025).

The ones thinking this sort of conflict will die down quickly. That’s false, because the White Army is an entity created out of grievances and the needs of Nasir. They have a self-belief in the Nasir and will fight for it. That should sound the alarm, as this is one rebellion and one instance of people addressing political grievances with guns. Just like the comedian who started his rebel outfit last year. There are now visible and viable youths of a state willing to go into combat. They are doing that for their cause, because the state has left them behind.

We know the significance of Nasir in South Sudanese history. That’s an important place in the history and liberation of South Sudan. This everyone should acknowledge and that also reflected on the ideals of the fighters who are a part of the Naath White Army.

This isn’t a SPLM/A-IO versus SPLM/A. The White Army isn’t new, but it’s a proof that the Transitional Period and the lack of implementation has hurt the Republic. As the youths are only seeing it viable to take arms to answer to their government. Because they know letters or asking for proper representation won’t appear. Neither will the government defend or be there in their hour of need. That’s why they get recruited and becomes a part of the White Army.

This is a sign of a failure of J1 and the leadership of Juba. As they have had the time to listen to the pleas and ensure these youths a better future. Instead their only choice to get the state to see them… is to use arms and create insecurity.

The R-TGoNU needs to know their place. The SSPDF aren’t alone in this. Here is a bigger picture and lack of government services at fault. The youth doesn’t see any value in the government or whatever the state has to offer. So, they in the lack of future joins a para-military group and an armed rebellion. Because they don’t see the state as viable or have anything for them. That’s why they enlist and gets recruited to the White Army.

The answer of bringing gunships against armed civilians shows where the state is versus the Nuer grievances… this is causing conflict between Dinka and Nuer. That isn’t new either, but the transition should have settled this and ensured a peaceful co-existence. Therefore, the state should be concerned and act with caution. The warfare won’t bring the youth on its side. The youth need change and needs another choice. They are part of this because the loss of hope and loss of trust in the government. That’s why the Nuer youths has taken arms, instead of petitioning the state in other ways. This is because the government haven’t had any avenues for them and they know J1 wouldn’t listen to them either. It is tragic, but this is the bleak reality. This is a cause of insecurity, because the J1 and allies lingers in office. They aren’t building institutions but becoming the personification of the state themselves. Therefore, President Kiir and Vice President Machar needs to take a step and now listen to the youths of the Upper Nile. From there act upon their needs and not take it easy. Since these are willing to take up arms and go to the trenches. That shouldn’t be an option, but it’s the only one viable right now. Peace.

South Sudan: United People’s Alliance (UPA) – Press Statement (26.02.2025)

South Sudan: Minister of Cabinet Affairs – South Sudan’s transitional period has officially been extended for two more years starting tomorrow, February 22, 2025 (21.02.2025)

South Sudan: South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) – Press Statement on SSPDF Forces enroute to Nasir town (20.02.2025)

South Sudan: The sanctioned “Al-Cardinal” is sworn-in as a Vice President

“I am dedicated to advancing our economic agenda and working closely with H.E. to ensure South Sudan secures its rightful place in the region” – Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel (12.02.2025).

It is really amazing that Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, the in-law of the President Salva Kiir Mayardit is now sworn-in as a Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan. His now being ushered into the upper echelon of state and being prepared for a possible transition in the future. Though there is little to no trust that Kiir has any plans of ever relieving himself or having someone to be his successor.

With that in mind, the former Presidential Advisor and Envoy are now becoming an VP. A man who is sanctioned by the United States of America. This man has already been caught being corrupt and using his role as a way of enriching himself. That’s why he has at least two properties in Juba and one in Nairobi, Kenya.

The new VP has roles in four sanctioned companies, ABMC Thai-South Sudan Construction Company Limited (ABMC), Winners Construction Company Limited, HOME AND AWAY Ltd and ARC Resources Corporation ltd.

In addition to that, to ensure he got the ill-gotten gains he used alias to transfer transactions and funds between accounts. He has used phony names like “Ashraf Seed Ahmed Hussein Ali” and “Al-Cardinal”. There is also reports that he has used this alias too: “Kuol Akol Wieu”. These are all names on accounts and on paperwork to hide his ownership from companies, which has gotten government contracts and funding over the years.

We know now that President Kiir isn’t worried about his inner circle eating of the plate of the state. When he appoints and promotes the likes of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel. A man who has no trouble to take profits for ill-gotten services on the behalf of the government. That is who is entrusted the second in command and being in close association with the President.

If there would be more corruption and grand corruption in the future. We shouldn’t be surprised why state funds would be siphoned and gone missing. He has been able to do so over the years and now he has become a higher-ranking official than before.

Time will tell, but it’s not long ago since 2017 when he was sanctioned by the U.S. and therefore, we can not avoid the fact and knowing what he has done in the past. The Sentry has investigated him and for a reason. Nevertheless, his familiarity and closeness to Kiir is more important than stealing some money, apparently. Peace.

South Sudan: The Real Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (R-SPLM) – Resolution of Dismissal of Hon. Gen. Pagan Amum Okiech as Chairman, Commander-In-Chief, and Member, Dr. Akech Khoc Acting SG and Member of Real-SPLM (12.02.2025)

South Sudan: Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – In Opposition (SPLM-IO) – Resolutions of the SPLM/SPLA(IO) Political Bureau Meeting No. 01/2025 (11.02.2025)

South Sudan: Transitional National Legislature – Eastern Equatoria State – Parliamentary Caucus – Condemnation of Attacks and Heinous Massacre of Unarmed Civilians, Destructions of Farmlands and Properties in Magwi and Torit Counties (06.02.2025)

South Sudan: National Parties Alliance (N.P.A) – NPA Declaration to the People of South Sudan: Reasons for Standing Off against UPA (06.02.2025)

South Sudan: Integrity South Sudan Demands Accountability and Transparency at Nimule Border (30.01.2025)