South Sudan’s Minister of Information claims stability amid rising violence, contradicting UN assessments. A U.N. helicopter was attacked, Ugandan troops are deployed, and the U.S. has issued a travel advisory. Reports indicate political tension and militia activity heightening fears of a renewed civil war. The International Crisis Group warns that conditions are dire, reflecting a potential spiral into further conflict.
Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, recently downplayed concerns regarding the nation’s stability, attributing fears to social media and rumors. However, his assertion is contradicted by several significant events and assessments, particularly from the United Nations, stating that the situation in South Sudan has markedly worsened. Reports indicate rising tensions due to internal conflict, notably between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those aligned with Vice President Riek Machar, emphasizing the fragile 2018 peace agreement.
A grave incident occurred on March 7, when a U.N. helicopter on a troop evacuation mission was attacked, resulting in the deaths of U.N. personnel and several South Sudanese soldiers, including a senior general. This incident illustrates the ongoing violence and demonstrates the dangers faced by personnel operating in the region, further challenging Minister Lueth’s claims.
In response to the instability, Ugandan special forces have been deployed to South Sudan to aid the government in securing Juba, which signifies the critical nature of the situation. The intervention of foreign troops typically indicates a major escalation in conflict, reflecting dire circumstances.
On March 4, the “White Army” militia, allied with Riek Machar’s forces, seized control of an army base in Nasir, leading to soldier fatalities and heightened fears of renewed civil conflict. Political tensions between Kiir and Machar remain palpable, with various generals linked to Machar facing arrest.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for South Sudan, denoting the highest alert for Americans, indicating a significant risk to life due to armed conflict. It strongly advises against travel to the region, reflecting the serious state of affairs.
The International Crisis Group has characterized the tensions in South Sudan as dangerously high, expressing concern about the potential resurgence of civil war, particularly with factions like the White Army gaining control in strategic territories. They caution that conflicts in regions like Upper Nile could spread to neighboring areas, such as Sudan, highlighting the broader implications of the ongoing unrest.
The previous civil war in South Sudan (2013-2018) resulted in approximately 400,000 casualties, underscoring the potential consequences of continued violence and instability.
Minister Lueth’s assertion that fears are unfounded and the situation is stable is misleading. Independent evaluations and international assessments paint a contrasting narrative, revealing escalating violence, political turmoil, and a genuine risk of renewed civil war. The involvement of foreign military forces and the U.S. travel advisory further signify the critical and deteriorating state of affairs in South Sudan, necessitating renewed attention to the crisis.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
