East African bloc IGAD warns that recent clashes in South Sudan are pushing the country closer to war, highlighting instability linked to rival factions and a recent attack on a UN helicopter. President Salva Kiir assures efforts to prevent a return to conflict, while the violence threatens the 2018 power-sharing agreement.
Recent clashes in South Sudan have raised alarms within an East African regional bloc, which warns the country is moving increasingly closer to the brink of war. Historically, South Sudan has faced political instability and insecurity, and tensions have escalated due to recent confrontations between forces loyal to rival leaders in the northeast.
A particular incident that heightened these tensions involved the attack on a United Nations helicopter, which was attempting to rescue soldiers from the area. This attack resulted in the death of a crew member and a South Sudanese general. In response, President Salva Kiir has assured that the nation would strive to avoid a return to war.
The ongoing violence poses a significant threat to the fragile power-sharing agreement established in 2018, which was intended to resolve the five-year civil war between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) indicated that this recent violence is part of a broader pattern endangering peace in South Sudan.
In conclusion, the escalating clashes in South Sudan signify a dire situation that may jeopardize the country’s fragile peace. The violence not only tests the commitment to the 2018 power-sharing agreement but also prompts international concern regarding a potential return to civil conflict. Authorities and international actors remain vigilant to avert a further deterioration of stability in the region.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
