NAS warns against SSPDF’s militia recruitment, predicts disaster in planned Meridi and Yei Offensives
The leadership of the National Salvation Front (NAS) has denounced what it described as a renewed military strategy by President Salva Kiir’s government to recruit local militia ahead of planned major offensives in South Sudan’s Meridi and Yei counties, warning that it is not only doomed but will be disastrous, like many before it.
In a statement issued by Suba Samuel, NAS spokesperson, NAS expressed alarm over what it called a “doomed divide-and-rule policy” aimed at using untrained local youth as militia to fight NAS forces. NAS warned that this approach, which has historically resulted in widespread violence, could lead to disastrous consequences.
“The leadership of NAS would like to inform its members, the people of South Sudan, and the international community that Kiir’s regime and its South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) command are planning to launch a major military operation against NAS military bases in Meridi and Yei counties,” the statement read.
Suba revealed that the SSPDF chief of staff, alongside political figures from the area, had begun mobilizing youth for recruitment as militia, preparing them for a campaign aimed at weakening NAS’s presence in the region. The statement criticized the move as a tactic that has previously backfired, resulting only in bloodshed and more suffering.
The policy of recruiting local militia has failed miserably in the past…
“The policy of recruiting local militia has failed miserably in the past, leading to the massacre of civilians, widespread displacement, and destruction of communities,” NAS said, urging local leaders to resist being used as instruments of division.
The NAS leadership directed its army command to remain vigilant in monitoring enemy plans and activities and to be prepared to thwart any attempts to destabilize their positions and protect the suffering people of South Sudan. Suba Samuel went on to reassure South Sudanese citizens of NAS’s continued commitment to the struggle for their freedom and safety.
The leadership of the revolutionary struggle also appealed to and called on the youth in Meridi and Yei to refuse recruitment, cautioning them against fighting for a cause aimed at preserving Kiir’s hold on power.
As always, https://NASSouthSudan.com will keep you updated.
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