South Sudan is witnessing a surge in violence, particularly in the Upper Nile state, due to the internal strife resulting from the regional conflict in Sudan. Tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar have escalated, leading to arrests of key political figures. The fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement is increasingly threatened by economic issues and the risk of widespread conflict.
South Sudan is currently experiencing a surge in violence, particularly in the Upper Nile state, due to the spillover effects of the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan. This escalation threatens the delicate peace established by a 2018 agreement, which is increasingly at risk amid internal divisions and corruption.
Renewed tensions can be traced to conflicts between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, escalating in recent days with the arrest of several of Machar’s allies, including the oil minister, amidst turmoil in Upper Nile. The National Security Service of South Sudan confirmed, “We have arrested and detained several individuals suspected of verified links to the escalating military confrontation.”
Since mid-February, violent confrontations have erupted in Upper Nile, primarily between the South Sudanese army (SSPDF), backed by militias, and the “White Army,” an armed group associated with Machar. An incident on Friday involved a U.N. helicopter under fire, leading to the deaths of a general and 27 soldiers during a rescue mission, as reported by Human Rights Watch on February 27.
The renewal of violence five years post the 2018 peace deal can be attributed to the political turmoil stemming from the civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023. The agreement had previously ended a civil war that commenced in 2013 between Kiir and Machar, claiming nearly 400,000 lives and displacing millions. It was noted that due to recent events, South Sudan has lost significant oil revenue, exacerbating the budget crisis for Kiir’s government and eroding his political influence.
Moreover, Sudan’s military may further exploit South Sudan’s ethnic divisions, potentially inflaming rivalries between the Dinka and Nuer communities. This volatile environment raises serious concerns regarding widespread conflict, with organizations like Human Rights Watch issuing warnings about the increasing risk of violence.
In a recent U.N. report, it was highlighted that the political and military elites in South Sudan are aggravating instability. Yasmin Sooka, chair of the commission, stated, “The leadership continues its violent power struggles across the country and is failing the people of South Sudan.” With dissatisfaction over leadership growing and minimal public services, the nation faces dire prospects, including the potential emergence of militias and illicit activities if the situation deteriorates further.
The escalation of violence in South Sudan signifies a precarious situation exacerbated by internal political rivalries and external conflicts. The fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement is threatened by economic crises and ethnic divisions, leading to fears of widespread conflict. The response from international organizations underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges to stabilize the country and protect its citizens from further violence.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
