Tensions in South Sudan have escalated due to violence in Upper Nile, political disputes between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, and recent cabinet reshuffles. The fragile 2018 peace agreement is under threat as both leaders maintain separate armed factions. The situation calls for urgent international diplomatic intervention to avoid renewed civil war.
Tensions in South Sudan have escalated due to increasing militia violence in Upper Nile state, cabinet reshuffles, and the arrests of senior officials in Juba. President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar are at the center of this unrest, with ongoing political disagreements leading to deadly confrontations. The discord threatens the fragile 2018 peace agreement that concluded a devastating five-year civil war costing hundreds of thousands of lives.
In February, President Kiir dismissed significant government officials, which some perceived as a violation of the peace agreement. This action sparked protests in western Bahr al-Ghazal due to a lack of consultation with Vice President Machar. Furthermore, Kiir’s order to redeploy troops has exacerbated violence in areas like Nasir, where an attack on a United Nations helicopter occurred, resulting in fatalities.
The attack has drawn condemnation from several Western embassies, prompting the U.S. Embassy to evacuate non-emergency personnel amid ongoing armed conflicts. A travel advisory has warned of continued violence amongst various political and ethnic factions within South Sudan. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has convened to address these rising tensions while Uganda has deployed special forces to support Kiir.
The United Nations has expressed concern over setbacks in human rights and national stability, warning of a regression in the country’s progress. Ongoing conflicts have left millions facing acute food insecurity, with many displaced. Various local organizations have called for political dialogue to avert further violence, emphasizing the unresolved tensions between Kiir and Machar.
The situation raises questions about the potential for renewed civil war, with both leaders commanding separate armed factions. The International Crisis Group warns of deteriorating security and possible escalations, especially as regional tensions with Sudan are implicated. However, experts are cautious about predicting full-scale violence, highlighting the role of the international community in influencing a resolution to the systemic issues within South Sudan’s leadership.
Experts stress the importance of international pressure on the leaders to encourage dialogue and constructive relationships, which are currently characterized by suspicion and distrust. The lack of a common constitution and unified armed forces continues to hinder the country’s stability, resulting in a precarious security situation that could escalate without intervention.
In summary, South Sudan is grappling with rising tensions due to political strife, military actions, and a failure to uphold the 2018 peace agreement. The ongoing discord between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar, coupled with militia violence, poses a significant threat to national stability. As various organizations call for dialogue, the international community’s involvement may be crucial in averting further hostilities and fostering a resolution to the entrenched issues between the competing factions.
Original Source: www.dw.com
