Tensions rise in South Sudan due to militia violence, government reshuffles, and clashes involving President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Analysts note that political disagreements and unmet peace agreement provisions are at the root of the discord. The international community’s support for dialogue is critical to avert potential civil war amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
Renewed tensions have arisen in South Sudan, primarily due to escalating militia violence in Upper Nile state, executive reshuffles, and the arrest of senior officials in Juba. President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar are at the center of this turmoil, as their political disputes have led to violent confrontations. This discord jeopardizes the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, which aimed to end a civil war that resulted in nearly 400,000 fatalities.
The recent conflict has roots in Kiir’s dismissal of key government figures in February, a move perceived by Machar as a violation of the 2018 peace accord. Analyst Daniel Akech noted that this cabinet reshuffle ignited violent protests in regions like Bahr al-Ghazal, due to the president’s unilateral actions without consultation. Additionally, Kiir’s redeployment of military forces has further intensified clashes in areas such as Nasir, where a UN helicopter was attacked and casualties resulted.
The situation has prompted swift responses from Western embassies, condemning the assaults on UN personnel and facilitating the evacuation of non-emergency U.S. government staff from the country. The U.S. travel advisory reflects ongoing armed conflicts among diverse political and ethnic factions, highlighting the widespread availability of weapons among civilians.
In response to the escalating situation, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) held a summit, while Uganda deployed special forces to support Kiir’s regime. Ugandan military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba emphasized Uganda’s allegiance to Kiir, stating any action against him would be regarded as a declaration of war by Uganda.
The United Nations has issued warnings against the alarming regression of security and human rights in South Sudan. Yasmin Sooka, head of the UN Commission on Human Rights, criticized the current leadership for failing to progress towards democracy, instead falling back into dangerous power struggles reminiscent of past crises. With half of South Sudan’s population facing acute food insecurity and millions displaced, calls for political dialogue from civil entities have intensified.
Experts note that the unresolved issues between Kiir and Machar complicate the situation, as their mutual distrust hinders progress towards lasting peace. The absence of a unified armed force and an agreed constitutional framework exacerbates the risk of renewed civil conflict. Akech indicated that the proliferation of individual armed factions contributes to the volatility, fueling the potential for another civil war.
International assessments indicate a deteriorating security landscape, compounded by external pressures from the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan. While there remain concerns about a return to full-scale violence, political scientist Abiol Lual Deng suggests that sustained international pressure on both Kiir and Machar might prevent further escalation. The future of South Sudan hinges on addressing these leadership conflicts and the reinforcement of community ties beyond ethnic divisions.
Overall, the situation in South Sudan is precarious, with ongoing tensions between its leaders. The international community’s role in urging for constructive dialogue and supporting a peaceful resolution remains crucial to avert further conflict and promote stability in the region.
In conclusion, South Sudan faces heightened tensions fueled by political strife between leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, alongside escalating militia violence. Key government dismissals and military redeployments have exacerbated conflicts, endangering the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. The international community’s intervention and advocacy for dialogue are essential to mitigate the risks of renewed civil war and foster stability in this crisis-stricken nation.
Original Source: www.dw.com
