South Sudan is facing heightened tensions as fears of civil war loom due to arrests of Vice President Machar’s associates and clashes involving the ‘White Army’ militia. The longstanding conflict between Machar and President Kiir, which led to a civil war and massive casualties, raises concerns about the viability of the 2018 peace agreement.
This article addresses the precarious situation in South Sudan, as fears grow over a potential return to civil war. The recent arrest of key allies of Vice President Riek Machar has raised alarms, alongside an incident where Machar’s residence in Juba was temporarily surrounded by military forces. Additionally, clashes have erupted between the militia known as the ‘White Army,’ which previously allied with Machar, and government troops in the Upper Nile state, exacerbating tensions.
The historical backdrop reveals a tumultuous relationship between Machar and President Salva Kiir, which culminated in a devastating civil war starting in 2013. This conflict resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and displaced around 2.5 million individuals. With the 2018 peace agreement that aimed to end hostilities now potentially at risk, experts are questioning the future stability of the nation, especially considering the evolving dynamics between its leaders.
In summary, South Sudan stands at a critical juncture, with recent events suggesting a troubling resurgence of conflict. The arrest of Vice President Machar’s allies and violent clashes near the Ethiopian border have instigated concerns about the stability of the peace deal established in 2018. The decade-long power struggle between Machar and President Kiir continues to cast shadows over the nation’s fragile peace, requiring urgent attention from both local and international stakeholders.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
