The US has ordered the departure of non-emergency staff from South Sudan amid escalating tensions resulting from renewed fighting between political and ethnic groups. The 2018 peace agreement remains unfulfilled, with reports of alarming regressions threatening progress towards stability.
The United States has mandated the evacuation of all non-emergency personnel from South Sudan amidst escalating tensions within the country. Recent outbreaks of violence pose a threat to the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, which aimed to resolve a civil war that resulted in significant casualties.
According to the US State Department, continuing fights among various political and ethnic factions have intensified, with weapons being widely accessible among the populace. Therefore, on March 8, 2025, the decision was made to remove non-essential US government employees from the region.
The UN human rights commission has raised alarms about a troubling regression in South Sudan’s stability, warning it could reverse the progress made towards peace. In light of escalating tensions, President Kiir has appealed for calm and assured the populace that the country would not revert to war.
Tensions increased recently, culminating in an incident where a UN helicopter evacuating members of the national army was attacked, resulting in several fatalities, including one crew member. Earlier, the deputy chief of the army and two ministers affiliated with Machar were detained by security forces, a situation labeled a “grave violation” of the peace agreement by an opposition spokesperson.
These arrests occurred following violent clashes in Upper Nile state between government troops and a militia known as the White Army, which had previously allied with Machar during the civil conflict. Since achieving independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with political discord, which led to civil war shortly after its formation.
The 2018 power-sharing deal has not fully materialized, as critical components like a new constitution, upcoming elections, and the consolidation of armed groups have yet to be realized. Furthermore, sporadic violence continues to disrupt peace in various regions of the nation.
In summary, the United States has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan due to escalating tensions and violence. Despite a peace agreement signed in 2018, the ongoing conflicts and the recent arrests of key political figures demonstrate the fragility of the situation. The international community continues to monitor the situation, hopeful for a comprehensive resolution that restores stability to the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
