The SPLM-IO party in South Sudan has suspended its role in the peace process due to escalating tensions between its leader Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir. Recent arrests of party officials, violent clashes, and significant displacement have contributed to the deteriorating situation. Experts warn of increased risks of ethnic conflict and further instability, exacerbated by regional turmoil.
A significant political development has occurred in South Sudan, as the SPLM-IO party announced a suspension of its involvement in a vital segment of the 2018 peace agreement. Relations between Riek Machar, the leader of the SPLM-IO, and President Salva Kiir have soured, exacerbated by recent conflicts and arrests connected to the ongoing tension in the eastern region of the country.
The 2018 peace deal, which brought an end to a five-year civil war, has faced increasing strain as clashes persist between the forces loyal to Machar and those aligned with Kiir. Notably, the South Sudanese security forces detained several SPLM-IO officials earlier this month following violent confrontations involving the White Army militia, prompting the SPLM-IO to demand the release of these officials for the party to reengage in peace efforts.
Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, the SPLM-IO’s deputy chairman, remarked that the political environment symbolizes a “witch-hunt,” undermining the foundational aspects of the peace agreement. The recent violence has led to significant displacement, with reports indicating that around 50,000 individuals have been forced to flee their homes in Upper Nile state, including 10,000 who sought refuge in neighboring Ethiopia.
United Nations peacekeeping chief Nicholas Haysom expressed grave concerns regarding the possibility of South Sudan slipping back into civil conflict, noting a surge in hate speech that poses risks of escalating ethnic tensions. Analysts also indicate that the ongoing war in Sudan has contributed to the instability, with repercussions on South Sudan’s peace process and significant uncertainties surrounding oil revenue and regional violence.
Despite these troubling developments, experts remain vigilant regarding the potential for conflict spillover, particularly from Upper Nile to the capital, Juba. The situation underscores the fragile nature of South Sudan’s political and social landscape, demanding urgent attention from both national and international stakeholders.
In summary, the SPLM-IO’s partial withdrawal from the peace process highlights the fragile state of political relations in South Sudan, driven by deteriorating ties between Riek Machar and Salva Kiir. The detention of SPLM-IO officials and the ongoing violence particularly in Upper Nile state not only threaten the peace agreement but also lead to significant humanitarian concerns. Furthermore, rising hate speech and instability fueled by external conflicts, such as the war in neighbouring Sudan, pose severe risks to the future stability of the country.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
