A major party in South Sudan’s coalition government has suspended its participation in the peace process, citing arrests of its officials amidst escalating tensions between leaders Riek Machar and Salva Kiir. This unrest follows recent clashes and accusations of militia links, with severe humanitarian consequences and fears of a return to civil war highlighted by UN officials.
A significant party within South Sudan’s coalition government has announced the suspension of its involvement in a crucial aspect of the 2018 peace agreement. This development follows escalating tensions between the party’s leader, Riek Machar, and President Salva Kiir, exacerbated by recent violent incidents and arrests.
The peace deal, which effectively concluded a five-year civil war, established Machar as the First Vice President and leader of the SPLM-IO party. The relationship between Machar and Kiir has deteriorated, notably after violent clashes occurred in the eastern region of the country recently.
This month, security forces have detained several officials from the SPLM-IO, including the petroleum minister and the deputy army chief, following the intervention of the White Army militia, which pressured government troops to retreat from Nasir, located near the Ethiopian border. Although the government alleges links between SPLM-IO and the militia—composed mainly of Nuer youths—the party refutes these claims.
Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, the SPLM-IO’s deputy chairman, declared that the party would cease participation in any security arrangements related to the peace process until the detained officials are returned. He emphasized that “the ongoing political witch-hunts continue to threaten the very essence and the existence of the peace deal.”
Since late February, ongoing conflict around Nasir has resulted in the displacement of about 50,000 individuals, with approximately 10,000 fleeing to Ethiopia, as reported by Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan.
Nicholas Haysom, the UN peacekeeping chief in South Sudan, expressed grave concerns regarding the nation’s precarious situation, warning that it is “on the brink of relapse into civil war.” He highlighted the rampant hate speech and misinformation as significant factors that could exacerbate ethnic tensions within the conflict.
Analysts have posited that the ongoing war in neighboring Sudan has influenced the deterioration of the peace process in South Sudan, leading to a halt in oil revenue and increased regional instability. According to Alan Boswell of the International Crisis Group, “Already we are seeing the initial stages of spillover fighting in Upper Nile from the Sudan war,” pointing to the potential spread of conflict to the capital, Juba.
In conclusion, the partial withdrawal of the SPLM-IO party from the South Sudan peace process marks a critical escalation in political tensions and violence within the region. The detention of party officials has raised serious concerns regarding the stability of the peace agreement, while the broader context of regional conflicts poses significant risks for further unrest. The ongoing humanitarian crisis continues to demand urgent attention as the potential for renewed civil war looms perilously close.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
