The arrest of South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar signals heightened tensions, with potential for renewed conflict as power-sharing agreements deteriorate. The UN warns of severe consequences if the situation escalates, as arrests of political allies and violent clashes increase. International concerns mount as diplomatic missions in Juba reduce activity, urging for dialogue instead of violence.
On Wednesday, South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar, a long-time rival of President Salva Kiir, was arrested, prompting the United Nations to warn that the nation may be on the verge of widespread conflict. Reports indicate that a convoy of armed vehicles entered Machar’s residence in the capital, Juba, which has escalated ongoing tensions in the country. This arrest coincides with the disintegration of a power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar, raising fears of a resurgence of civil war that previously claimed approximately 400,000 lives between 2013 and 2018.
In response to the events, Reath Muoch Tang, the chairman of Machar’s party’s foreign relations committee, condemned the actions of South Sudan’s Minister of Defense and Chief of National Security for their unconstitutional seizure of Machar. Tang stated that armed personnel forcefully disarmed Machar’s bodyguards and presented an arrest warrant without clear charges, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The situation became more precarious as attempts to relocate Machar were mentioned, indicating further instability.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) commented on the arrest stating that the nation’s leadership is poised for potential conflict. Nicholas Haysom, the UNMISS head, remarked that ongoing violations of the 2018 peace agreement could devastate South Sudan and impact the surrounding region. Following its independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has grappled with persistent poverty and insecurity.
Political analysts claim that President Kiir, at 73 years of age, has been focused on political maneuvers to ensure succession while sidelining Machar. Since February, over 20 of Machar’s political allies have been detained, exacerbating the tension. Armed confrontations between forces loyal to both leaders have also intensified, particularly in areas like Nasir County, where government forces have reportedly attacked military locations linked with Machar.
Machar’s military faction, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army In Opposition (SPLA-IO), characterized the situation as terrorist activity and called upon the international community for intervention. The training bases targeted are crucial for integrating opposition fighters into a unified military, a vital aspect of the existing peace deal. Although the Kiir-led forces have denied the allegations of aggression, apprehension has grown among Juba’s citizens about the risk of returning to armed conflict.
Concerns about the deteriorating situation were echoed by residents like Lilian Sukeji, who expressed fear about the potential resurgence of war, emphasizing the need for dialogue over violence. Despite Kiir’s reassurances about restoring peace after discussions with church leaders, the recent violence in Nasir County corroborates the growing unrest.
International observers, including Norway and Germany, have reacted by pulling back their embassies in Juba, while the British and US embassies have reduced staff and advised citizens to exit the country. Experts from the International Crisis Group have indicated that continued refusal from Kiir and Machar to engage in dialogue raises alarms, warning of a possible uncontrolled decentralized violence should conflict erupt.
The arrest of Riek Machar has intensified fears of widespread conflict in South Sudan amidst a failing power-sharing agreement with President Salva Kiir. The United Nations has expressed grave concerns, indicating that ongoing political tensions could plunge the country back into civil war. As arrests of key allies persist and violence escalates, international observers urge both leaders to prioritize dialogue to prevent further instability.
Original Source: www.kpvi.com
