The arrest of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, has raised concerns of impending conflict, as described by the UN. The detainment reflects the unraveling of the power-sharing agreement with President Salva Kiir, increasing fears of a return to civil war amid violent political tensions. Calls for dialogue over violence are essential at this critical juncture.
The arrest of Riek Machar, South Sudan’s First Vice President and long-standing rival to President Salva Kiir, has raised alarm from the United Nations, suggesting the nation is on the edge of widespread conflict. On Wednesday, a convoy comprising 20 armed vehicles descended upon Machar’s residence in Juba, arresting him amid escalating tensions which threaten a return to the devastating civil war that claimed 400,000 lives between 2013 and 2018.
Machar’s party condemned the unconstitutional arrest, claiming his bodyguards were disarmed before he was taken under vague charges. According to a statement by Reath Muoch Tang, the chairman of the foreign relations committee for Machar’s party, attempts to relocate the vice president are currently underway. This incident further illustrates the deteriorating power-sharing agreement between the two leaders.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has warned that the country could slip back into conflict, highlighting the dangers of breaching the 2018 peace deal. Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, stated that such breaches would devastate South Sudan and have regional repercussions. Since independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has experienced persistent poverty and insecurity, exacerbated by the political maneuvering of President Kiir to sideline Machar.
In recent months, more than 20 of Machar’s allied political and military leaders have faced arrests, intensifying fears of returning to violence. Machar’s military wing, the SPLA-IO, reported attacks on military bases surrounding Juba, condemning these actions as terrorist acts and calling for global intervention. The necessity of integration of armed forces remains a crucial aspect of the peace agreement, yet these incidents threaten its implementation.
The escalating political tensions and violent confrontations have left many citizens in Juba feeling uneasy. Local resident Lilian Sukeji expressed concern about the ongoing clashes, urging leaders to favor dialogue over violence. Despite Kiir’s public commitment to peace following meetings with church leaders, violent clashes persist, especially in Nasir County, where government forces are engaged with Machar-affiliated militias.
The violence facing South Sudan suggests an unsettling pattern, as warned by analysts. Daniel Akech from the International Crisis Group remarked that the refusal of both Machar and Kiir to engage in dialogue poses a significant threat, potentially leading to decentralized violence that could spiral beyond their control. Observers from Norway and Germany have closed embassies in Juba, with the UK and US reducing staff and advising citizens to depart the country as tensions remain high.
In summary, the arrest of Riek Machar marked a critical point in South Sudan’s volatile political landscape, triggering fears of renewed conflict. The deterioration of the power-sharing agreement between Machar and Kiir highlights a precarious situation that could lead to significant regional instability. The urgent need for dialogue and the intervention of the international community is paramount in averting further escalation of violence.
Original Source: homenewshere.com
