Tensions are escalating in South Sudan as President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar face renewed conflicts. Kiir’s recent high-profile arrests of Machar’s allies, coupled with the resurgence of violence, cast doubts on the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. International calls for dialogue echo the urgent need for resolution, as the humanitarian crisis in the country worsens.
Tensions are escalating in South Sudan between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Recently, Kiir issued a series of high-profile arrests and dismissals, including surrounding Machar’s residence in Juba with military forces. This spike in tension raises concerns about the stability of the country, which has been recovering from civil war since the 2018 peace agreement.
The conflict in South Sudan traces back to its independence from Sudan in 2011, which led to significant internal divisions within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Ethnic tensions, particularly between the Dinka and Nuer groups, contributed to a civil war that began in 2013, following Machar’s dismissal by Kiir. This conflict resulted in extensive violence and suffering for the populace.
In 2018, after years of violent struggle, the SPLM and Machar’s faction reached the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Facilitated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), this agreement aimed to unify armed groups, draft a new constitution, and prepare for elections. However, implementation has stalled, and violence continues sporadically across the nation.
Tensions reignited recently due to conflict involving an armed youth militia in Upper Nile, exacerbated by fears of proposed disarmament actions by government forces. This situation escalated to deadly confrontations, prompting responses from government officials attributing blame to armed groups associated with Machar’s party.
In light of these tensions, President Kiir has made various dismissals, including that of General Gabriel Duop Lam, a loyalist to Machar. These actions have incited criticism from the SPLM/IO, who argue that they undermine the peace agreement and erode mutual trust among parties involved.
Internationally, notable figures, including Kenyan President William Ruto, have urged dialogue and restraint among South Sudanese leaders. IGAD representatives expressed alarm regarding the renewed violence, emphasizing the need for all parties to uphold peace commitments. Additionally, numerous embassies have called for a cessation of hostilities in Upper Nile.
Political analysts consider that ongoing infighting may hinder crucial national tasks, such as constitutional reforms and upcoming elections, which have already been postponed by Kiir’s administration. Observers emphasize the necessity for genuine political will to preserve the peace process amid a worsening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by conflict and economic strains in South Sudan.
In conclusion, the situation in South Sudan indicates a precarious state of affairs following renewed tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, with the risk of eroding the 2018 peace agreement. High-level arrests and ongoing conflicts in Upper Nile exemplify the volatility within the government, threatening future political stability and necessary humanitarian assistance. The international community’s calls for dialogue and restraint are crucial to avert further escalation and address the dire humanitarian needs of the populace, as approximately 7.6 million people face food shortages and the country grapples with the implications of ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
