Tensions are rising in South Sudan as President Salva Kiir orders arrests of key political figures allied with Vice President Riek Machar, jeopardizing the 2018 peace deal. Historical ethnic conflicts and political struggles have re-emerged, leading to violent confrontations, particularly in Upper Nile and raising humanitarian concerns. The international community encourages dialogue to maintain peace and stability.
Tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar are escalating, marked by high-profile arrests and dismissals within the political and military ranks. In recent events, soldiers have surrounded Machar’s residence in Juba, raising concerns over the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a prolonged civil war.
The civil war in South Sudan began in 2013 due to political conflicts within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and ethnic divisions. Kiir’s dominance as a Dinka leader and Machar’s identity as a Nuer contributed to this unrest. Following Kiir’s dismissal of Machar, hostilities intensified, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
The 2018 peace process concluded with the signing of the Revitalised Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) after years of violence. Although this agreement sought to unify armed factions, establish a new constitution, and disarm other armed groups, these goals remain unfulfilled, with intermittent violence continuing across the nation.
Recent fighting in Upper Nile was sparked by fears of government-initiated disarmament of local groups, leading to deadly confrontations between the South Sudanese army and an unidentified armed militia. Government officials blame Nuer armed groups for initiating violence, while humanitarian concerns escalate.
President Kiir has conducted a series of arrests targeting allies of Machar, including key military figures and a cabinet minister, raising alarms over the potential violation of the peace agreement. This led SPLM/IO representatives to claim trust has eroded between involved parties, posing risks to the fragile accords.
The international community has expressed apprehension regarding the escalating violence, with calls for restraint from various foreign governments and organizations. Kenyan President William Ruto has urged both leaders to engage in dialogue, while IGAD representatives have echoed similar pleas to cease hostilities in order to sustain the progress achieved through the peace deal.
Political analysts express concerns regarding the potential reemergence of conflict should tensions persist. The original timeline for critical national tasks, such as elections, is jeopardized by ongoing political strife. Pro-democracy activists emphasize the need for political will to ensure that the peace process is upheld, especially in light of growing humanitarian crises affecting millions of citizens in South Sudan.
In summary, the resurgence of conflict between President Kiir and Vice President Machar threatens to undermine the 2018 peace agreement. Continuous political strife and recent arrests within the government raise critical concerns about the future stability of South Sudan. The international community’s calls for dialogue highlight the urgency of addressing these tensions to prevent further violence and humanitarian crises in the region, necessitating a strong commitment from the involved parties to uphold their agreements and restore peace.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
