Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s information minister, claims the situation in the country is under control, attributing concerns to rumors. Contrarily, UN reports highlight rising tensions, violent incidents involving UN personnel, and the deployment of Ugandan forces to assist the government. Furthermore, the U.S. has issued travel advisories, and the International Crisis Group warns of potential civil war, indicating a significant crisis contrary to Lueth’s assertions.
Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s information minister, has attempted to downplay the nation’s instability, asserting that alarm stems mainly from rumors and social media. However, this declaration is misleading in light of substantial on-the-ground evidence that contradicts his claims.
The United Nations has reported a significant deterioration in the situation within South Sudan, highlighting rising tensions attributed to internal conflicts between supporters of President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Notably, the fragile 2018 peace accord, which ended the civil war, is under strain, with renewed hostilities observed in regions like Upper Nile and Nasir.
A recent incident on March 7 underscores the ongoing violence, as a U.N. helicopter evacuating troops was attacked, leading to the deaths of U.N. personnel and South Sudanese soldiers, including a senior general. This tragic event exemplifies the dangers faced by those operating in South Sudan amid the conflict.
The situation has prompted intervention from the Ugandan military, which has deployed special forces to support the South Sudanese government in securing Juba and managing instability. This intervention signifies that the regional dynamics have reached a critical threshold, typically indicative of escalating crises.
On March 4, the “White Army” militia, associated with Machar, seized an army base in Nasir, resulting in casualties among government forces. This action forms part of a broader trend of militia activities and increased political tensions between Kiir and Machar, illustrated by the apprehensions of generals aligned with Machar’s camp.
In light of the escalating conflict, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for South Sudan, warning of a “greater risk of life-threatening danger.” This advisory discourages Americans from traveling to South Sudan, resulting in the evacuation of nonessential personnel from the country.
The International Crisis Group has cautioned that “tensions are running dangerously high in South Sudan,” pointing to the alarming prospect of renewed civil war, particularly with the White Army controlling strategic locations like Nasir. The ICG further warned that ongoing fighting in Upper Nile might ripple into neighboring regions, including Sudan.
The previous civil war, which lasted from 2013 to 2018, resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive examination of the current situation over Lueth’s optimistic claims.
In conclusion, Lueth’s assertion that the situation is under control is inconsistent with independent international assessments that present a dire security landscape. The growings levels of violence, political discord, and the risk of renewed civil war contradict his narrative, particularly against the backdrop of Ugandan troop involvement and U.S. travel advisories.
In summary, the situation in South Sudan is critically unstable, evidenced by rising militia activity, regional military interventions, and stark warnings from international organizations. Lueth’s claims of calm are contradicted by numerous assessments, highlighting an environment fraught with potential violence and political turmoil. The implications for regional stability and the safety of civilians in South Sudan remain concerning and demand urgent attention from the international community.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
