South Sudan faces a potential return to civil war following recent arrests of allies of Vice President Riek Machar and increased military tensions. Historical strife between Machar and President Salva Kiir has led to past conflicts, raising questions about the durability of the 2018 peace agreement. Experts are closely monitoring the situation as the threat of violence escalates.
South Sudan is facing the possibility of a return to civil war, which may be even more extensive than previous conflicts. This alarming situation has escalated following the recent arrests of key allies of Vice President Riek Machar, alongside an incident where his residence in Juba was temporarily surrounded by troops. The unrest is compounded by clashes between the ‘White Army’ militia and government forces in Upper Nile state, neighboring Ethiopia.
The historically strained relationship between Vice President Machar and President Salva Kiir escalated dramatically in 2013, leading to a devastating civil war that resulted in over 400,000 fatalities and displaced approximately 2.5 million people. The peace agreement that ostensibly resolved this conflict in 2018 now appears to be in jeopardy, raising concerns about the country’s stability and the potential for renewed violence.
Presenter Mpholakaje discusses these developments with Daniel Akech Thiong from the Crisis Group, who offers insights into the current situation and its implications for South Sudan’s future.
South Sudan is at a critical juncture where the potential for renewed civil war looms large, particularly following the recent arrests of Vice President Machar’s associates. The historical conflict between Machar and President Kiir has led to significant loss of life and displacement, casting doubt on the viability of the 2018 peace agreement. The country’s stability hangs in the balance as tensions escalate between various factions, with dire consequences possible for the civilian population.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
