South Sudan is experiencing a resurgence of violence linked to internal divisions and the civil war in neighboring Sudan. Tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar have escalated, resulting in arrests and armed conflict in Upper Nile. The economic fallout from the Sudan crisis has further destabilized the situation, raising concerns over the potential for widespread conflict as frustrations mount against the current leadership.
South Sudan is currently experiencing a notable increase in violence, significantly influenced by the ongoing war in neighboring Sudan. This situation is particularly acute in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state, where internal divisions and rampant corruption threaten the fragile peace established by a 2018 agreement, which is now in jeopardy.
The tensions are largely driven by escalating hostilities between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, who were former rebel leaders but have become rivals. Recent days have seen Machar’s allies, including the oil minister, arrested in the capital Juba due to clashes occurring in the Upper Nile region. The National Security Service of South Sudan confirmed the detention of individuals with verified links to the rising military confrontations.
Since mid-February, violent clashes have erupted in Upper Nile, primarily involving the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army, an armed youth group allied with Machar. A U.N. helicopter attempting to aid SSPDF soldiers was attacked, resulting in the tragic loss of a general and 27 soldiers during the operation. These conflicts have caused significant displacement and numerous injuries, as reported by Human Rights Watch.
The increase in violence is particularly alarming considering that the 2018 peace agreement ended a years-long civil war between Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and Machar, a Nuer, which resulted in nearly 400,000 fatalities and displaced 4 million individuals. The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which started in April 2023, has further destabilized the region.
South Sudan’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered as a result of the crisis in Sudan. A significant pipeline explosion near Khartoum led to the loss of two-thirds of the nation’s oil revenue, creating a budgetary crisis for Kiir’s government. This economic struggle has diminished the government’s capacity to maintain its patronage system and has weakened the president’s grip on power.
The toll from prolonged ideologically driven conflict threatens to further exacerbate tensions, particularly between the Nuer and Dinka ethnic groups, thereby increasing the potential for widespread violence. Various multilateral and non-governmental organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have warned of this alarming possibility.
A report from the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan highlighted the role of the political and military elite in exacerbating violence and instability. “The leadership continues its violent power struggles across the country and is failing the people of South Sudan,” stated Yasmin Sooka, the commission’s chair. As dissatisfaction rises concerning the prolonged dominance of Kiir and Machar and the lack of essential services, the risk of state collapse looms larger, potentially transforming South Sudan into a sanctuary for militias and illicit activities.
In conclusion, South Sudan is facing heightened violence primarily due to internal power struggles exacerbated by external conflicts. The fragile peace established post-2018 is threatened by the civil war in Sudan and economic instability, leading to increased tensions between ethnic groups. Without significant changes and improved governance, the country risks descending into widespread conflict and potentially becoming a breeding ground for militant activities.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
