The U.S. State Department has ordered nonemergency staff to leave South Sudan’s capital due to escalated tensions from fighting in the north. Key developments include recent clashes involving Vice President Riek Machar’s supporters and the military, raising concerns for the peace agreement following the civil war. The U.N. has condemned attacks on humanitarian missions, citing them as war crimes.
On Sunday, the U.S. State Department mandated the departure of nonemergency government personnel from South Sudan’s capital, Juba, amid growing tensions due to ongoing clashes in the north. A recent travel advisory indicated that the conflict remains active and warned of widespread access to weapons among the population.
This spike in violence follows armed confrontations between a rebel faction and the national army, which resulted in the arrests of two government ministers and a deputy army chief aligned with Vice President Riek Machar. The military’s encirclement of Machar’s residence has heightened concerns among his supporters, who view the arrests as a potential threat to the fragile peace agreement.
The conflict in South Sudan previously escalated into civil war from 2013 to 2018, claiming over 400,000 lives. Although a peace agreement was signed in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and Machar, its implementation continues to pose challenges.
Adding to the precarious situation, a recent attack on a U.N. helicopter during a northbound evacuation mission has been categorized as a war crime. The U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan stated that the escalating violence and instability in Juba are jeopardizing the peace process.
Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the U.N. Commission, emphasized the critical nature of the situation, urging leaders to prioritize the peace process and respect the human rights of the South Sudanese populace to facilitate a transition toward democracy.
In summary, the U.S. State Department’s order for nonemergency personnel to leave South Sudan signifies the increasing tensions and ongoing violence affecting the region. The situation is compounded by military arrests and attacks on U.N. missions. The historical context of the South Sudanese civil war underscores the fragile nature of peace in the country, and there is an urgent call for leadership to prioritize human rights and the peace process.
Original Source: www.2news.com
