Author: Staff reporter | Published: 49 minutes ago
A helicopter gunship. Courtesy
NASIR, Upper Nile State (Eye Radio) – Upper Nile Governor Jacob Dollar Ruot has publicly addressed the government’s use of bombardment, stating that military action targets only those who attack the government, and denying that any specific ethnic group is being singled out.
Governor Dollar made this statement on Saturday, December 6, while addressing hundreds of residents in Nasir Town during his official visit.
He reiterated a condition he set upon his appointment: protection from bombardment was contingent upon non-aggression against government forces.
“After I was appointed, I said you should not be bombed, but on condition that you don’t attack the government, but if you attack the government, you will be bombed,” Ruot said. “However, when I came, people went and killed people for no reason, and they were bombed.”
The Governor stressed that the government is targeting all opposition groups across the country, including those in the Bahr el Ghazal region.
“The government is bombing everyone attacking the government, including those in the Barh el Ghazel region,” he explained. “People thought those being bombed were Nuer; no, it’s not Nuer alone, all corners in South Sudan were bombed, so don’t think you are being targeted. The bombardment is targeting those fighting the government.”
Since violence erupted in March 2025, between SSPDF and the SPLA-IO-allied White Army in Nasir, the bombardments have focused heavily on areas traditionally linked to opposition forces loyal to the suspended First Vice President Dr Riek Machar.
These targeted areas include counties across Upper Nile, Jonglei, and Unity states (specifically Nasir, Ulang, Longichuk, Fangak, Akobo, Nyirol, Uror, Mayom, and Panyijiar).
However, the conflict escalated, expanding into President Salva Kiir’s home state, Warrap, in June and October 2025. The South Sudan air force subsequently carried out airstrikes in Gogrial East and Tonj East Counties, specifically targeting local armed youth, according to local officials.
