03/17/2025
Flammable Barrel Bombs in Nasir
South Sudan’s Fragile State Under Fire
By The Nile Voice
South Sudan, a nation already crippled by years of internal conflict, has descended further into chaos as reports of aerial bombings, foreign military involvement, and brutal government crackdowns emerge. The recent bombing of civilians in Nasir, allegedly involving Ugandan fighter jets hired by the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF), raises serious questions: Is President Salva Kiir really in control? Or is Uganda’s President Museveni and his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba running South Sudan by proxy?
Barrel Bombs & Gunships
Civilians Burned Alive
For the first time in South Sudan’s history, flammable Ethylene Acetate barrel bombs were reportedly dropped on Nasir using gunships, resulting in horrific civilian casualties. Eyewitness accounts and local reports describe the horrifying scenes of women and children suffering severe burns, bodies charred beyond recognition, and entire homes turned to ash. The attack follows the killing of Col. Majur Dak in Nasir last week, an incident that should have been de-escalated through diplomacy but instead was met with indiscriminate violence.
Rather than calming tensions, the SSPDF retaliated with an airstrike an act of war against its own people. What is more alarming is the alleged involvement of Uganda’s UPDF fighter jets, pointing to deeper foreign interference in South Sudan’s internal conflicts. Why is Uganda openly engaging in South Sudan’s affairs? And more importantly, who authorized the bombing of civilians?
Uganda’s Military
The Hidden Hand in South Sudan’s Crisis?
Uganda has long played a manipulative role in South Sudan’s politics, propping up President Kiir’s government while neutralizing opposition figures who challenge his rule. This was confirmed when General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son, personally deployed Ugandan special forces to Juba last week, vowing that any opposition against Kiir would be treated as a direct attack on Uganda. Is this not a direct admission that Kiir is merely a puppet, with Museveni pulling the strings?
This marks nearly 20 years of Kiir’s disastrous rule, in which he has:
- Divided South Sudan along tribal lines, turning communities against each other
- Failed to build a functioning economy, while corruption skyrockets
- Ruined the reputation of the Dinka people, associating their name with dictatorship
- Led with poor judgment, both physically and psychologically deteriorating in office
- Betrayed South Sudan’s independence, allowing Uganda to dictate national policy
For years, rumors have persisted that Salva Kiir conspired with Museveni to assassinate Dr. John Garang De Mabior, South Sudan’s founding leader. Now, as Kiir consolidates power through foreign military aid, these suspicions are stronger than ever.
Did South Sudan trade one form of oppression for another, exchanging Sudanese control for Ugandan puppeteering?
The Only Man Keeping South Sudan Together Dr. Riek Machar
Amidst the violence, Dr. Riek Machar remains the only force preventing South Sudan from total collapse. His continued calls for peace are misunderstood and ignored, as the government prioritizes military action over reconciliation. While Kiir turns to foreign mercenaries to stay in power, Machar has consistently pushed for national unity, dialogue, and a lasting peace agreement.
What Happens Next?
The latest attack in Nasir is more than just another chapter of violence it is a warning. South Sudan is at the edge of a full-scale war if Kiir and his foreign backers continue to suppress opposition with military force. The rage and resentment being cultivated among South Sudanese youth will not be forgotten. The seeds of revenge have been planted.
A leader who bombs his own people does not deserve to govern them. A president who sells his country’s sovereignty to foreign powers is not a president he is a traitor. South Sudanese people must ask themselves:
How long will we allow a foreign-backed dictator to rule over us?
How long will we watch our people burn, our economy collapse, and our leaders sell our future to Uganda?
The answer is clear
the time for change is now.
