South Sudan’s information minister downplays concerns over instability, attributing fears to misinformation. However, U.N. assessments indicate a significant deterioration in security due to internal conflicts and militia activities. The recent attack on U.N. personnel, the deployment of Ugandan forces, and U.S. travel advisories further illustrate the critical and escalating nature of the situation.
Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s information minister, has attempted to allay fears about the country’s stability, attributing concerns to rumors and social media misinformation. However, this assertion is contradicted by numerous incidents and evaluations indicating a deteriorating situation in South Sudan.
The United Nations reports a significant decline in security, particularly due to escalating internal conflicts between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The fragile 2018 peace accord has seen renewed clashes in regions like Upper Nile and Nasir, signaling heightened tensions.
On March 7, a U.N. helicopter was attacked while evacuating South Sudanese troops, resulting in the casualties of several U.N. personnel and South Sudanese soldiers, including a senior general. This incident illustrates the ongoing violence and dangers faced by those operating within South Sudan.
The Ugandan military has dispatched special forces to aid South Sudan’s government in stabilizing Juba amidst rising instability. This intervention from foreign military forces indicates a critical juncture in South Sudan’s security landscape.
Additionally, on March 4, the militia known as the “White Army,” linked with Machar’s faction, captured an army base in Nasir, leading to fatalities among soldiers and highlighting the broader militia activities throughout the country. The political climate remains tense, marked by arrests of generals associated with Machar.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for South Sudan, warning of severe risks to safety and explicitly advising American citizens against travel to the region due to ongoing armed conflict and briefed nonessential personnel to evacuate.
The International Crisis Group (ICG) has noted, “Tensions are running dangerously high in South Sudan.” The ICG expresses significant concerns over the potential for a resurgence of civil war, especially given the strategic advances of militias such as the White Army and the risk of regional spillover from fighting in Upper Nile.
In conclusion, Lueth’s assertion of calm in South Sudan is unfounded. Both independent assessments and direct reports signify a worsening security environment, characterized by increasing violence and political uncertainty. The involvement of Ugandan military forces and the U.S. travel advisory further highlight the seriousness and escalation of the ongoing crisis in South Sudan.
In conclusion, the assurances of calm from South Sudan’s information minister stand in stark contrast to mounting evidence of a deteriorating security situation. Reports from the United Nations, incidents of violence, and the involvement of foreign troops indicate a precarious environment, brimming with instability and the potential for renewed conflict. International advisories serve as a critical reminder of the risks facing individuals in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
