The arrest of South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar by government forces has heightened fears of renewed conflict in the nation. The UN warns of the potential for widespread violence as the fragile power-sharing agreement with President Salva Kiir disintegrates, while residents express anxiety over the escalating tensions. International concern is mounting, prompting some countries to close embassies and recommend evacuation of citizens.
On Wednesday, South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, was arrested, a development that has prompted the United Nations to warn that the nation stands on the brink of significant conflict. A convoy of 20 armored vehicles executed the arrest at Machar’s residence in Juba, marking a troubling escalation in the long-standing rivalry with President Salva Kiir. The disintegration of their power-sharing arrangement could threaten a recurrence of the brutal civil war that previously claimed approximately 400,000 lives from 2013 to 2018.
In a statement shared on Facebook by Reath Muoch Tang, chair of Machar’s party’s foreign relations committee, the incident was condemned as unconstitutional. It noted that Machar’s bodyguards were disarmed, and he was issued an arrest warrant under vague charges. The party expressed concerns about efforts to relocate him without clarity regarding the situation’s legal basis.
The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, emphasized the precarious situation, stating, “Tonight, the country’s leaders stand on the brink of relapsing into widespread conflict.” He cautioned that violations of the peace agreement established in 2018 could have devastating repercussions for both South Sudan and the surrounding region.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has grappled with persistent poverty and instability. Analysts note that President Kiir, who is advancing in age, has been maneuvering to consolidate power and marginalize Machar through a series of cabinet changes. Moreover, numerous supporters of Machar, numbering over 20, have been arrested secretly since February.
Tensions have escalated into violent confrontations between loyalist forces aligned to Machar and the government. His party has reported attacks on military installations intended for opposition force training in Juba, which are crucial for implementing the peace agreement aimed at creating a unified military. Despite these alarming reports, the army aligned with President Kiir has not confirmed any incidents, instead accusing Machar’s forces of aggression.
Residents of Juba are expressing anxiety regarding the potential for renewed violence, with one citizen, Lilian Sukeji, articulating her fear of returning to war. Prior to Machar’s arrest, Kiir reiterated a commitment to peace after meetings with religious leaders, although ongoing clashes in Nasir County suggest a deteriorating situation.
The International Crisis Group’s South Sudan analyst, Daniel Akech, has warned that the escalating violence could spread across various states in South Sudan. He urged that the unwillingness of Kiir and Machar to engage in dialogue constitutes a critical warning, stating that a wider conflict would be difficult to control. Concerns from international observers are mounting, with multiple nations closing their embassies in Juba and advising citizens to evacuate the country.
The arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar has escalated tensions in South Sudan, raising fears of a return to widespread conflict. The power-sharing agreement between Machar and President Kiir is in jeopardy, risking a repeat of past violence. With international observers expressing grave concerns, the situation remains precarious and calls for dialogue are increasingly urgent to avert further instability in the region.
Original Source: www.newstopicnews.com
