The United Nations has warned that violence and political tensions in South Sudan are rapidly increasing, jeopardizing the 2018 peace agreement that ended a civil war. Key officials allied to Vice President Riek Machar were recently arrested, raising fears about the future stability. The U.N. called for urgent action from leaders to prioritize peace and human rights amid clashes in strategic locations.
The situation in South Sudan is deteriorating rapidly due to escalating violence and political discord, as indicated by a statement from a United Nations rights body. Recent arrests of officials associated with Vice President Riek Machar have raised significant concerns regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement, which terminated a devastating five-year civil conflict that claimed nearly 400,000 lives.
The arrests occurred earlier this month and included two government ministers and several senior military personnel aligned with Machar, prompting fears about the future of the fragile peace process. Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, emphasized the urgency for leaders to prioritize the peace process and the protection of human rights, stating, “We are witnessing an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress.”
Violence escalated recently in the strategically important northern town of Nasir, where clashes took place between national forces and the White Army militia, primarily comprised of members from the Nuer ethnic group, which is aligned with Machar. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei claimed the arrests were necessary due to legal conflicts involving the Machar-affiliated officials, further accusing them of colluding with the White Army and assaulting a military garrison.
The National Security Services intelligence agency has announced the detention of several individuals suspected of having connections to the recent military confrontations in Nasir and neighboring areas. However, the government has yet to disclose specific details regarding the number or identities of those arrested.
The situation worsened on Friday when a U.N. helicopter was attacked while attempting to evacuate South Sudanese troops from Nasir, resulting in casualties among both soldiers and a general. The government condemned the attack, further underscoring the ongoing threats to stability in the region.
The worsening situation in South Sudan highlights the fragility of the existing peace framework, with recent arrests of key officials exacerbating tensions. Urgent action from leadership is required to reaffirm commitment to the peace process and the protection of human rights. Continued violence, including military confrontations and attacks on humanitarian efforts, reflects the critical need for diplomatic engagement and societal cohesion to avoid further regression.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
