South Sudan's 'White Army' - the centre of renewed conflict? : David Bassiouni

Who is the White Army, the militia at the centre of renewed conflict in South Sudan?

Joseph Falzetta
The New Humanitarian
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Summary
The White Army, a loose militia drawn from Nuer communities, is at the heart of escalating conflict in South Sudan that has displaced tens of thousands and raised fears of a second civil war since independence in 2011.

Fighters say they defend their people from predatory state forces and rival militias, but they have also been accused of atrocities, including massacres and ethnic targeting. Recent clashes in Nasir — triggered by disputes with government soldiers — spiraled into a major confrontation, with more than 250 soldiers reportedly killed and aerial bombardments displacing civilians. The White Army’s grassroots support, ties to diaspora funding, and history of aligning with opposition leader Riek Machar highlight its deep entanglement in South Sudan’s fragile political order. Analysts warn the militia’s resurgence could fracture the peace process and spread violence across ethnic and regional lines.

Quotes

• “What we need is for the community to live in peace.” — Both Nhial, White Army fighter

• “If there was a strong government, this White Army wouldn’t have existed in the first place.” — Political analyst from Upper Nile

• “They raped, killed, and raided cattle. That is not the mandate of the government.” — Samuel Dak, veteran fighter

• “We are tit-for-tat, an eye for an eye. It has always been like that.” — Gatwech Tuach, White Army commander

• “We don’t recognise the government as legitimate anymore. This is Nuer land. We will fight back until we take full control.” — Tuach

• “Many people have been killed. Our families have been displaced. We will leave Nasir town for the army and look for new opportunities for our families.” — Both Nhial