The SPLM-IO party in South Sudan has suspended its role in the peace process amid worsening relations between Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir, following violent clashes and the detention of officials. The ongoing tensions have displaced thousands and raised concerns about a possible relapse into civil war, fueled by hate speech and regional instability from Sudan’s conflict.
A significant faction within the coalition government of South Sudan has announced a suspension of its involvement in the peace process established by a 2018 agreement. This development comes amid escalating tensions between Riek Machar, the leader of the SPLM-IO party and First Vice President, and President Salva Kiir, particularly following recent violent clashes.
The peace accord was intended to resolve a five-year conflict between the two leaders’ competing factions. However, their relationship has deteriorated, especially after security forces detained several SPLM-IO members, including high-ranking officials after the White Army militia exerted pressure on government troops in Nasir, near the Ethiopian border.
The government alleges affiliations between the SPLM-IO and the predominantly Nuer youth militia. However, the SPLM-IO denies these claims. Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, the deputy chairman of the SPLM-IO, stated that the party will not engage in security matters of the peace process until those arrested are freed, citing that “the ongoing political witch-hunts continue to threaten the very essence and the existence of the (peace deal).”
The recent violence has led to the displacement of approximately 50,000 individuals since late February, with 10,000 fleeing to Ethiopia. This data originates from Anita Kiki Gbeho, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan.
Nicholas Haysom, the United Nations peacekeeping chief in South Sudan, expressed concern that the nation may be on the verge of reverting to civil war. He noted a rise in hate speech and misinformation that could exacerbate sectarian strife. Furthermore, the conflict in neighboring Sudan is intensifying issues within South Sudan, as oil revenue declines, leading to increasing regional instability and the influx of arms. Analyst Alan Boswell has observed that tensions from the Sudanese war are already evident, and it may be challenging to contain potential conflicts from spreading to the capital, Juba.
In summary, the withdrawal of the SPLM-IO from the peace process highlights the fragility of stability in South Sudan. The increasing tensions between key leaders, particularly in light of recent violence and arrests, threaten the peace agreement that ended years of conflict. Moreover, the potential for civil war looms amidst rising hate speech and external influences from neighboring conflicts, necessitating urgent diplomatic interventions.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
