Statement on the Chemical Bombing in Nasir, Torbaar, and Mandeng.

March - 19 - 2025

In a tragic recurrence of chemical attacks targeting Nuer civilians in Nasir, Nuerland, an Antonov aircraft operated by the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) under contract by the South Sudanese government carried out an extensive bombing at approximately 3:00 AM on March 19, 2025. The remnants of chemical barrels found at the scene were identified as containing Ethyl Acetate, a highly flammable and hazardous liquid. Disturbingly, this is the same chemical agent that was deployed during the bombing on March 16, 2025. The deployment of these chemicals has resulted in the mass killing of innocent civilians and has caused irreparable damage to the local environment.

Later that same day, the same UPDF Antonov aircraft conducted additional bombings in various areas around Nasir, specifically targeting the villages of Torbaar and Mandeng. Notably, these locations are devoid of any combatant presence, raising serious concerns about the indiscriminate nature of these attacks.

Remnants of chemical bombing in Nasir, March, 19, 2025

Among the victims of these unlawful and inhumane chemical bombings were numerous women and children, whose lives were tragically cut short. The deliberate targeting of civilians during their most vulnerable moments — in the sanctity of their homes and in their sleep — constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, including the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Geneva Conventions. These acts of terror defy all principles of human rights and morality, and there can be no justification for the calculated murder of innocent civilians.

The Rol Naath Authority urgently reiterates its call to Human Rights Watch, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to initiate a comprehensive investigation into these heinous acts committed by the South Sudanese government and its Ugandan ally. Immediate action is necessary to hold the perpetrators accountable, to prevent further loss of innocent lives, and to ensure justice for the victims of these barbaric acts.

For Nuerland and its people

Rol Naath Authority