The IGAD has warned that escalating clashes in South Sudan, particularly between President Kiir and Vice President Machar’s forces, threaten to reignite war. An attack on a UN helicopter and recent violent incidents have raised concerns over the fragile peace established in 2018. The South Sudanese government claims calm, but the U.S. and Uganda are taking precautionary measures.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has issued a grave warning regarding escalating clashes in South Sudan, which risk plunging the nation back into war. This warning follows increasing violence between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, raising alarms about the fragile peace agreement established in 2018 that ended a five-year civil conflict.
Tensions have escalated recently, particularly following an incident where a United Nations helicopter was attacked while attempting to evacuate soldiers from the northeast. This attack resulted in the fatalities of both a UN crew member and a South Sudanese general, underscoring the rising threats to stability in the region.
Despite assurances from President Kiir that South Sudan will not revert to war, IGAD pointed to a significant attack on March 4 in Nasir. This incident involved approximately 6,000 armed members of the White Army militia overrunning a military base, illustrating the deepening instability. The White Army is associated with Machar and is primarily composed of ethnic Nuer.
IGAD characterized South Sudan as being “balanced precariously between the promise of peace and the peril of conflict,” urging all involved parties to reduce hostilities. Conversely, the South Sudanese government has minimized these concerns, with the foreign ministry declaring that the nation remains calm, secure, and welcoming for visitors and investors.
In response to the escalating situation, the United States has mandated the departure of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan due to “ongoing armed conflict.” Additionally, Uganda has dispatched special forces to Juba, although South Sudanese officials have denied their presence. As the risk of renewed violence persists, both regional and international observers maintain a vigilant watch over developments.
In summary, IGAD has warned of a precarious situation in South Sudan, where recent clashes threaten the peace established in 2018. The increasing violence, highlighted by the attack on a UN helicopter and the assault in Nasir, indicates a possible return to conflict. While the South Sudanese government assures calm, international responses suggest growing concern over stability in the region.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
