The U.S. has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency staff from South Sudan due to escalating tensions threatening the peace established by a power-sharing agreement between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. Recent violent clashes and a UN helicopter attack have heightened concerns, prompting warnings from international bodies regarding a potential return to full-scale conflict.
The United States government has mandated the evacuation of all non-emergency personnel from South Sudan following escalating tensions within the country. This order, issued by the State Department on March 8, 2025, reflects growing international concern regarding the fragile security situation in the region.
Recent violent clashes in the northeastern Upper Nile State have posed a significant threat to the power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The conflict escalated markedly following an attack on a United Nations helicopter, which resulted in the death of a crew member and an army general during a rescue operation.
The State Department emphasized, “Due to the risks in the country, on March 8, 2025, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees from South Sudan.” Reports indicate that armed conflict persists, involving various political and ethnic factions, with a concerning availability of weapons among the populace.
Having emerged as the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan concluded a five-year civil war in 2018 through the aforementioned power-sharing pact. However, tensions have resurfaced as supporters of President Kiir have accused Vice President Machar’s forces of stirring unrest in Nasir County, allegedly collaborating with the White Army, a group of armed youths from Machar’s ethnic community.
In a statement to citizens, President Kiir urged for calm and reassured them that a return to war was not forthcoming. Meanwhile, international observers continue to raise alarms over the deteriorating situation. The UN Human Rights Commission for South Sudan noted an “alarming regression” that threatens to unravel years of progress toward peace. Furthermore, the International Crisis Group expressed dire warnings, stating, “South Sudan is slipping rapidly toward full-blown war,” and highlighted the risk of potential large-scale ethnic massacres if the crisis remains unaddressed.
In conclusion, the decision by the United States to evacuate non-emergency personnel from South Sudan underscores the severe and escalating conflicts threatening the fragile peace established by the 2018 power-sharing agreement. With calls for calm from President Kiir contrasted by alarming international assessments of the situation, the potential for renewed violence looms large, necessitating immediate attention to avert further humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
