The political situation in Juba, South Sudan, is tense following the arrest of opposition politicians and military generals loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar. Security concerns in Nasir County, heightened by clashes between government forces and the White Army, contribute to fears of renewed conflict. Calls for peace and unity emerge amidst ongoing unrest, which threatens the fragile peace established in 2018 and disrupts oil exports vital for the country’s economy.
The political atmosphere in Juba, South Sudan, has grown tense following the arrests of opposition politicians and military officers affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar. This unrest is compounded by escalating instability in areas such as Nasir County, where repeated clashes have occurred between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army, a militant group supporting Machar’s ethnic Nuer group.
Recent violence erupted on March 4, when the White Army attacked and seized control of Nasir Town. The arrests of opposition leaders followed a significant presidential meeting convened by President Salva Kiir aimed at addressing security concerns across Nasir, Western Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal states. Key political figures were present at this gathering to discuss strategies to restore peace in these conflict-prone regions.
In correspondence dated February 27, 2025, Machar urged for urgent dialogue with Kiir on the worsening security conditions, highlighting a perceived political deadlock in South Sudan. The summit resulted in a directive for the unhindered deployment of soldiers to Nasir County, aiming to reinforce security and replace longstanding forces there.
Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth stated that the leadership is committed to national unity and encouraged community cooperation for the safe passage of military forces. Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang underscored the need for collaboration to ensure the safety of troops, while civil society representatives emphasized the importance of education about peace.
As government forces faced attacks from the White Army, fears regarding civilian targeting and potential disarmament surfaced amongst local communities. Instead of the current deployments, there were calls for the Necessary Unified Force as specified in the 2018 peace agreement. Unrest surged in Western Equatoria following the unilateral removal of SPLM-IO-affiliated Governor Gen. Alfred Futuyo by President Kiir, exacerbating regional tensions.
The crackdown on opposition leaders has intensified, leading to the arrest of prominent figures including Minister of Peace Building Stephen Par Kuol, raising concerns over the peace process and the upcoming general elections. The Information Minister asserted that these arrests were justified if individuals were in violation of the law, while opposition parties condemned the actions taken against their members.
The SPLM-IO condemned the detention of senior officials, arguing it infringed upon the revitalized peace agreement, and expressed serious concern over military buildups around Machar’s residence. They called for the release of those detained and emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace.
Analysts indicate that renewed conflict between Kiir’s and Machar’s forces could severely undermine South Sudan’s peace process, exacerbated by the disruption of oil exports due to the unrest stemming from Sudan. The fragile peace established in 2018 is under threat, with increased access to weaponry potentially igniting further violence.
In conclusion, the political climate in South Sudan remains precarious as tensions escalate following the arrest of several opposition leaders and military generals. The ongoing instability in regions like Nasir County, coupled with fears of renewed conflict between opposing forces, raises significant concerns about the country’s future. The commitment to national unity and calls for de-escalation are critical, as South Sudan grapples with the implications of its historical conflicts and the enduring impact on its peace process and economic stability.
Original Source: www.independent.co.ug
