Clashes in South Sudan have displaced over 50,000 people since February, raising fears of a potential civil war. Western nations, including the U.S. and EU, have offered to mediate the conflict between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. The violence threatens a fragile peace agreement and has prompted concerns over humanitarian crises and instability in the region.
Clashes between rival forces in South Sudan have resulted in the displacement of over 50,000 individuals since February. This alarming situation has prompted Western nations to offer mediation in light of fears that the country may relapse into civil war. The violent encounters primarily occur in the northeastern Upper Nile State, involving forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, thus threatening the fragile peace-sharing agreement between them.
In recent weeks, tensions have increased, culminating in the arrest of more than 20 allies of Vice President Machar, including several senior officials. Anita Kiki Gbeho, a representative from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), emphasized that “the violence is putting already vulnerable communities at greater risk and forcing the suspension of life-saving services.”
In response to the crisis, a coalition of Western embassies, notably the United States and the European Union, has advocated for dialogue between Kiir and Machar, expressing their willingness to facilitate discussions. The situation worsened significantly following an air strike by the South Sudanese government in Nasir County, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, including children. OCHA reported that 10,000 displaced individuals have fled to Ethiopia, while humanitarian operations in the region have been severely impacted, with 23 workers forced to evacuate.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), warned that the country is “poised on the brink of relapse into civil war,” which could undo years of peace efforts. He pointed to neighboring Sudan as a stark example of how rapidly a nation can spiral into catastrophic conflict, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions promptly to avoid further violence.
The ongoing fighting poses a significant threat to the 2018 peace agreement between Kiir and Machar, derived from a five-year civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities. Kiir’s allies have accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the White Army, a militia comprising youths from the Nuer ethnic group. Recent surges in violence included an incident earlier this month where around 6,000 White Army combatants overran a military encampment in Nasir, leading to casualties during a failed UN rescue attempt, which resulted in the deaths of a crew member and a senior South Sudanese general. The Western embassies expressed concern for survivors who remain unable to return safely home.
The situation in South Sudan is dire, with ongoing violence leading to the displacement of thousands and a significant risk of civil war. The international community’s call for dialogue highlights the need for urgent mediation to prevent further deterioration. As tensions rise, efforts must focus on stabilizing regions affected by conflict and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations. Continuous monitoring and humanitarian assistance remain essential in addressing the pervasive issues faced by displaced communities.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
