Tensions between South Sudan’s leaders, Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, are escalating as Kiir’s government arrests key allies of Machar amidst violence in Upper Nile. The 2018 peace deal is at risk of collapse due to these actions, prompting concern from the international community. Analysts warn that continued infighting may lead to further instability, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the already impoverished nation.
Tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar are intensifying once again in South Sudan, as Kiir ordered multiple high-profile arrests of political and military figures. These actions have raised significant concerns regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. Soldiers have encircled Machar’s residence in Juba, as the SPLM/IO party reports a precarious situation developing.
The historical backdrop of conflict in South Sudan dates back to the country’s independence from Sudan in 2011. The SPLM began to fracture amid political and ethnic tensions, culminating in a civil war in 2013 when Kiir, representing the Dinka tribe, dismissed Machar, a Nuer. This division sparked a brutal conflict that displaced millions.
Following five years of war, a peace deal known as the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed in 2018. The agreement intended to unify the warring factions, establish governance reforms, and provide mechanisms for disarmament. However, significant aspects of this deal remain unimplemented, and violence has persisted in various regions of the country.
Renewed tensions flared in February 2023 when clashes erupted in Upper Nile, linked to concerns over government disarmament plans. The South Sudanese army engaged an armed youth militia, resulting in civilian casualties and further violence. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth attributed the conflicts to the White Army, blaming Machar’s faction for collaborating with this group.
In recent developments, Kiir’s regime has arrested several officials aligned with Machar, including General Gabriel Duop Lam and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol. These actions have drawn criticism from SPLM/IO representatives, who claim that Kiir’s approach undermines trust in the peace agreement.
The international community has reacted with concern, urging both leaders to engage in dialogue. Kenyan President William Ruto and representatives from IGAD have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the need to uphold the ceasefire and peace agreement provisions. Various embassies have joined in condemning the violence and calling for restraint.
Political analysts express apprehension that ongoing clashes might jeopardize the peace process. Delays in political reforms and elections could follow if conflicts continue, raising fears of renewed violence and instability. Pro-democracy advocate Mohammed Akot emphasized the necessity of genuine political resolve to maintain peace, while humanitarian organizations report urgent needs exacerbated by the ongoing crises in the region.
The World Food Programme highlighted a dire funding shortfall, which threatens humanitarian efforts in South Sudan, where millions are experiencing food insecurity. The situation is further complicated by regional instability and external conditions causing additional strain on resources.
In summary, the escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar pose significant risks to the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. Political arrests and increased violence threaten not only the security of South Sudan but also the humanitarian efforts crucial for its population. Immediate international intervention and genuine political commitment are essential to uphold the peace process and prevent the resurgence of conflict in the nation.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
