Key tensions in South Sudan are escalating with President Kiir’s recent arrests of Vice President Machar’s allies, raising fears over the stability of the 2018 peace deal. The ongoing violence, particularly related to local disarmament efforts, threatens peace and governance, leading to strong international calls for dialogue and restraint. Without immediate action, the risk of renewed conflict remains high, impacting the country’s already dire humanitarian situation.
Tensions are escalating once again in South Sudan as President Salva Kiir has ordered high-level arrests and dismissals of political allies of Vice President Riek Machar, raising fears regarding the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. The South Sudanese army has reportedly surrounded Machar’s residence in Juba, heightening the concerns regarding stability between the two political leaders.
Renewed hostilities began with violent clashes in Upper Nile State, believed to stem from fears of a government-led disarmament initiative affecting local groups. Since 2013, the rivalry between Kiir and Machar has spurred civil conflict, leading to extensive violence and humanitarian crises. Despite a 2018 peace accord, the absence of significant reforms and ongoing violence has put the agreement at risk once more.
The conflict between the Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups has historically fueled discord since South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Following a violent civil war and a five-year struggle, the two factions agreed to a revitalized peace deal which remains unimplemented. Local violence has persisted, and recent incidents exacerbate concerns of potential full-scale conflict again.
The South Sudanese army has been involved in confrontations against an unidentified youth militia, resulting in civilian casualties and accusations of unauthorized armed engagement. Government officials blame these groups, suggesting connections with Machar’s SPLM/IO faction, escalating tensions further. Both sides must now navigate a tenuous landscape, fraught with threats to peace and governance.
High-profile arrests have targeted individuals associated with Machar, including General Gabriel Duop Lam and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, with accusations of undermining the trust necessary for the ongoing peace agreement. Observers understand these actions as potential violations of the ceasefire, endangering the fragile state of affairs created by the peace deal reached in 2018.
International responses have called for an urgent end to hostilities, with regional leaders and embassies from various nations urging restraint among all parties involved. Active dialogue is recognized as essential for mitigating escalating tensions and achieving long-term stability in South Sudan. Denouncing recent violence, various global representatives have reaffirmed support for peace and stability, as humanitarian conditions in South Sudan remain dire.
The recent rise in tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar threatens the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement in South Sudan. With ongoing violence and political conflict sparked by ethnic rivalries and authoritarian actions, the international community urges dialogue and restraint to avert a resurgence of full-scale conflict. Without genuine political commitment and the implementation of the peace process, South Sudan’s stability remains precarious amid severe humanitarian crises affecting millions.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
