Renewed violence in South Sudan, driven by tensions between Nuer and Dinka communities, risks igniting another civil war. Ugandan military involvement and internal military failings have exacerbated the crisis. Historical grievances and the independent actions of the White Army complicate the political landscape. Effective solutions necessitate dialogue, community engagement, and robust international support to foster stability.
The resurgence of violence in South Sudan, primarily driven by escalating tensions between the Nuer and Dinka communities, raises alarms about a potential return to civil war. This situation has deteriorated significantly, particularly in Upper Nile State, leading to military involvement from Uganda at the request of the South Sudanese government. Notably, the agreement established in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar, which ended a protracted civil war, is now at risk amidst renewed conflict.
The current unrest, particularly marked by attacks from the White Army—a militia representing the Nuer community—has resulted in numerous casualties. Reports indicate that nearly fifty individuals have been killed since early March 2025 due to these confrontations. Allegations suggest that the government responded with aggressive military actions, including aerial bombardments, which have led to further aggravation of tensions and hindered peace discussions involving various opposition groups.
Historically, the roots of this conflict trace back to the 1991 SPLM split, which established a Dinka-led faction and exacerbated rivalries. Amidst this landscape of political fragmentation, the White Army formed primarily to protect the Nuer community. However, despite efforts by Riek Machar to unify the Nuer groups under his command, the White Army operates independently, complicating matters further as mischaracterizations of their role persist.
The dynamics of current violence differ from the brutal outbreak of civil war in 2013. The recent attacks by the White Army stem from provocations rather than a coordinated political agenda. Notably, retaliatory military actions against civilians and soldiers have perpetuated cycles of revenge, leading to heightened violence and government embarrassment due to military inadequacies against militia forces.
In light of the recent conflicts, solutions to prevent an escalation into full-blown war revolve around fostering dialogue and demobilization efforts. The government’s apprehension should not manifest in punitive actions against opposition figures, as such measures jeopardize stability. Engaging community leaders with influence over the White Army is essential for conflict resolution, especially with the onset of the rainy season posing logistical limitations on military operations.
Despite international calls for restraint, actual responses from the global community have been lacking, highlighting a disconnect between awareness of the violence and actionable measures to address its root causes. The United Nations’ failure to contextualize White Army movements and to denounce government-led arrests hinders prospects for peaceful dialogue. A clearer international stance is crucial to avoid validating the government’s militaristic approach and to promote constructive political engagement.
The ongoing violence in South Sudan signals a critical juncture that requires immediate attention to avoid a resumed civil conflict. To address the underlying tensions, the government must engage in dialogue and refrain from unnecessary arrests of opposition figures. Moreover, collaboration with community leaders of the White Army is vital for peace efforts, especially during the upcoming rainy season when armed mobilization will be limited. The international community’s role is also crucial in reinforcing these peace efforts by advocating for political resolutions rooted in dialogue and understanding.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
