Riek Machar’s arrest in South Sudan has escalated fears of renewed conflict, with UN officials warning of a potential relapse into widespread violence. The already fragile power-sharing agreement with President Salva Kiir is unraveling, compounded by violent clashes and political arrests. Local residents and international analysts call for dialogue to prevent further instability in the region, as embassies begin reducing staff amid rising tensions.
The recent arrest of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, has heightened fears of a return to civil conflict in the nation. A convoy of heavily armed vehicles seized Machar from his residence in Juba, signaling a dramatic escalation in ongoing tensions between him and President Salva Kiir. The power-sharing agreement, which has been deteriorating, raises concerns of a potential resurgence of violence reminiscent of the five-year civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths between 2013 and 2018.
A statement from Machar’s party condemned the actions of the Minister of Defense and the Chief of National Security for their unconstitutional approach in arresting him. The statement detailed how his bodyguards were disarmed, and his arrest warrant was issued without clear charges. Plans for his relocation are being undertaken amid the ongoing turbulence.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) remarked that the situation in the country is critical, with its head, Nicholas Haysom, stating that the leadership is dangerously close to widespread conflict. He emphasized that violations of the 2018 peace agreement could have devastating impacts not only on South Sudan but also on the surrounding region.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, remains mired in poverty and instability, exacerbated by recent political developments. Analysts suggest that the aging Kiir has been strategically sidelining Machar over recent months, which has included the detention of over 20 of Machar’s allies since February.
There have been alarming military clashes, particularly in Upper Nile State’s Nasir County, where government forces and local militias known as the White Army have engaged in violent confrontations. Additionally, government forces have reportedly attacked military bases and training centers established as part of the 2018 agreement aimed at unifying the armed forces. The SPLA-IO condemned these assaults as acts of terrorism, calling upon the international community for intervention.
Amidst rising tensions, citizens live in fear of renewed conflict. Local resident Lilian Sukeji voiced her concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation and pleaded for dialogue over aggression. Kiir previously expressed commitment to peace following discussions with church leaders, yet violent clashes have persisted, particularly around Nasir County.
The ongoing violence, as noted by analysts, is indicative of a broader destabilization in South Sudan. Daniel Akech of the International Crisis Group warns that failure to engage in dialogue could lead to decentralized violence that may spiral out of the leaders’ control. In response to the crisis, several nations, including Norway and Germany, have closed their embassies, while the British and US embassies have reduced staff and advised their nationals to exit the country.
The arrest of Riek Machar marks a critical juncture in South Sudan, raising alarms about a potential return to widespread conflict. The shaky power-sharing agreement with President Salva Kiir has broken down, igniting fears reminiscent of the devastating civil war. Both local residents and international observers stress the urgent need for dialogue to avert catastrophe, as armed confrontations and political tensions escalate throughout the nation. The situation remains precarious, demanding immediate attention from both national leaders and the global community.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
