Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s information minister, downplays instability fears, yet the U.N. and other assessments indicate rising violence and political tension. A recent attack on U.N. personnel, Ugandan military involvement, and militia uprisings signal a deteriorating situation, culminating in a Level 4 U.S. travel advisory. The International Crisis Group warns of the potential for renewed civil war in South Sudan.
Michael Makuei Lueth, the Information Minister of South Sudan, has dismissed fears of instability, attributing them to rumors and social media influences. However, this assertion is contradicted by various on-ground events and significant assessments.
The United Nations has reported a severe deterioration in South Sudan’s situation, citing rising tensions from internal conflicts, particularly between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Furthermore, the U.N. has pointed out the precarious validity of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded South Sudan’s civil war, with recent fighting in regions like Upper Nile and Nasir.
An incident on March 7 highlighted ongoing violence when a U.N. helicopter evacuating South Sudanese troops was attacked, leading to the deaths of U.N. personnel and South Sudanese soldiers, including a general. This underscores the risks faced by those operational in the region.
In response to the increasing instability, the Ugandan military has deployed special forces to aid the South Sudanese government in securing Juba. This intervention typically signifies a critical escalation in the security environment of a nation.
On March 4, militia activity intensified as the “White Army,” aligned with Machar’s forces, overran an army base in Nasir, resulting in fatalities among soldiers and control of the area. This incident reflects a broader trend of militia activities that contribute to fears of potential renewed civil war, compounded by rising political tensions between Kiir and Machar, marked by recent arrests of generals associated with Machar.
Given the current climate, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory—the highest alert—indicating a “greater risk of life-threatening danger.” Americans are advised against traveling to South Sudan due to ongoing armed conflicts, with nonessential personnel instructed to exit the country.
The International Crisis Group has noted that “Tensions are running dangerously high in South Sudan,” raising alarms about the chances of renewed civil war. They express concerns over militia control of strategic areas, especially in Nasir, and potential spillover effects of fighting into neighboring regions, including Sudan. The civil war from 2013 to 2018 resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities.
In summary, Minister Lueth’s assertion of stability in South Sudan starkly contrasts with independent evaluations that reveal escalating violence, political instability, and the grim prospect of renewed civil conflict. The involvement of foreign military forces, alongside U.S. travel advisories, accentuates the urgent and deteriorating crisis in the region.
The claims made by South Sudan’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei Lueth, regarding a calm situation in the country are contradicted by numerous independent evaluations indicating significant instability and escalating violence. The involvement of Ugandan forces and serious advisories from the U.S. reflect an intensifying crisis that poses serious threats to safety and security in South Sudan. As the potential for renewed civil war looms, the need for increased attention and intervention is critical.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
