The fragile peace accord in South Sudan is increasingly threatened by political tensions, military clashes, and regional anxieties, particularly following a militia attack in Nasir. President Kiir’s reassurances have not alleviated concerns, prompting calls for urgent intervention from regional leaders. The international community remains vigilant regarding potential implications of a renewed civil conflict, which would destabilize the region.
Tensions are escalating in South Sudan as the fragile 2018 peace agreement faces significant strain due to political discord and military confrontations. Rising political tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar raise concerns about a potential return to civil war. Recent cabinet reshuffles and the arrest of senior officials in Juba add to the country’s instability, coupled with increasing militia activity in Upper Nile State.
A pivotal event exacerbating the crisis was the March 4 attack on a South Sudan People’s Defence Force base in Nasir, a strategic town near the Ethiopian border. This assault, linked to the White Army militia aligned with Machar, was provoked by disputed proposals to replace the SSPDF with a combined force that would incorporate Agwelek and Abushok militias. This marks a serious escalation in a nation that suffered nearly 400,000 fatalities during its previous civil war, which was thought to have concluded with the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.
In an attempt to defuse the increasing tensions, President Kiir stated on March 7 that the nation “would not revert to war.” However, his assurances have not alleviated concerns in Juba or among international observers. Solomon Dersso, founder of Amani Africa, pointed out that South Sudan’s situation is critically deteriorating, threatening the already tenuous 2018 peace deal. He emphasized the need for immediate high-level intervention to avert further escalation.
The crisis in South Sudan is now the primary focus of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council during its 1265th session. Additionally, Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD, warned that the violent clashes in Nasir are part of ongoing incidents leading South Sudan closer to renewed conflict. Notably, reports have emerged confirming Uganda’s deployment of special forces to Juba, reflecting regional apprehension about stability in South Sudan, despite prior denials from the South Sudanese government.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the collapse of the peace agreement would greatly impact not only South Sudan but the surrounding regions as well. The potential resurgence of conflict would exacerbate humanitarian crises and pose challenges for neighboring states and international organizations tasked with intervention.
In conclusion, South Sudan is facing an intensifying crisis marked by political instability and violence, jeopardizing the fragile peace agreement established in 2018. Significant military confrontations, particularly from militias within the country, alongside strategic failed interventions, highlight the urgent need for diplomatic efforts. The international community’s vigilance is crucial in preventing a potential return to civil war, which would have dire consequences for both South Sudan and the broader region.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
