South Sudan Faces Renewed Threat of Civil War Amid Political Turmoil

South Sudan, facing the threat of civil war, is reeling from the arrest of Riek Machar. The fragile peace agreement between him and President Salva Kiir is in jeopardy, exacerbated by military interventions and ongoing ethnic tensions. International calls for de-escalation and humanitarian aid are becoming increasingly urgent as the country grapples with poverty and instability.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is facing imminent threats of a return to civil war following the recent arrest of Riek Machar, a key political figure and rival to President Salva Kiir. The country has been haunted by decades of conflict, achieving independence in 2011 but struggling to maintain peace amidst deep ethnic divisions. After a brutal civil war that began in 2013, a fragile ceasefire was established in 2018, but recent events have jeopardized this tenuous stability.

The Government of South Sudan, led by President Kiir and five vice presidents—including Machar—faces significant unrest. Following Machar’s arrest, his party, the SPLM/A-IO, warned that this action effectively dismantles the peace agreement between Kiir and Machar. The statement issued by the SPLM/A-IO indicated that the prospects for peace in South Sudan are now gravely endangered.

The unrest worsened with reports of military aggression involving Ugandan troops, called upon by Kiir to assist against a local militia, the White Army. Machar condemned this intervention in a letter to the United Nations, stating it violated the peace deal’s terms. Tensions escalated further as clashes between government forces and militia in Nasir resulted in numerous casualties, showcasing the fragile state of peace.

The information minister, Michael Makuei, accused Machar of inciting rebellion and stated that investigations would ensue against those promoting tribalism and hate. Meanwhile, the SPLM/A-IO has refrained from responding to these allegations. The United Nations has expressed grave concerns, cautioning that Machar’s arrest and ongoing unrest are pushing South Sudan towards the brink of civil war.

International reactions include calls from Western nations urging for Machar’s release and a cessation of hostilities. The U.S. embassy has even recommended that American citizens evacuate South Sudan due to the unstable environment. Concurrently, the African Union plans to send a delegation to de-escalate tensions, and discussions regarding conflict resolution were held with Kenyan officials.

The dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan has been compounded by violence, mismanagement, and poverty, with the World Bank highlighting the dire circumstances faced by the populace. A significant portion of the nation is impoverished, facing daily survival challenges. Amidst this turmoil, over half a million refugees seeking safety from neighboring conflicts have found refuge in a country plagued by its own crises. The UN has described South Sudan as “a country on the edge,” emphasizing the urgent need for global attention and intervention to prevent further deterioration.

South Sudan stands at a precipice, with recent developments threatening the fragile peace established in 2018. The arrest of key political leader Riek Machar has escalated tensions, potentially reigniting civil conflict. With external pressures and internal crises mounting, the need for international intervention is critical. The ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by the population highlight the urgency of actions required to stabilize the nation moving forward.

Original Source: www.wral.com