President Salva Kiir has removed Upper Nile state governor James Odhok Oyay amidst escalating clashes between government forces and an ethnic militia, which he claims is allied with rival Riek Machar. This move has heightened tensions and raised fears of renewed conflict in South Sudan, with significant political and humanitarian implications. UN reports indicate that recent violence has displaced 50,000 people.
In South Sudan, President Salva Kiir has dismissed the governor of Upper Nile state amid escalating clashes between government forces and an ethnic militia. This militia is accused of siding with his political rival, First Vice-President Riek Machar. Tensions have intensified since the White Army militia forced government troops to withdraw from the strategic town of Nasir, close to the Ethiopian border.
Following these events, Kiir’s administration detained multiple officials from Machar’s SPLM-IO party, including the petroleum minister and the deputy army chief. This ongoing confrontation raises concerns that South Sudan may revert to conflict, nearly seven years after emerging from a devastating civil war that resulted in significant loss of life.
In a televised decree, Kiir announced the removal of Governor James Odhok Oyay, affiliated with SPLM-IO, replacing him with Lieutenant General James Koang Chuol, a native of Nasir. The dismissal has sparked outrage among SPLM-IO members, who partially exited the 2018 peace agreement in response to these actions.
Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, denounced the governor’s removal as unilateral and a significant breach of the Revitalised Peace Agreement established in 2018. Conversely, Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s party of endangering the peace accord and claimed the governor’s removal was necessary to restore stability in the region.
The government has alleged that the SPLM-IO has connections with the White Army, comprised predominantly of armed youth from the Nuer ethnic group, who previously aligned with Machar during the civil war. The SPLM-IO refutes these claims. The United Nations reports that the conflict has displaced approximately 50,000 individuals since late February, warning that South Sudan is on the verge of civil war once again.
In conclusion, President Salva Kiir’s decision to dismiss Upper Nile’s governor amidst rising ethnic tensions marks a critical juncture for South Sudan, stirring fears of renewed conflict. The clash underscores the fragile state of the peace agreement between Kiir and Machar, with significant political implications and humanitarian concerns as violence displaces thousands. The situation remains delicate and the international community watches closely for developments that may affect the region’s stability.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
