South Sudan may be on the verge of renewed civil war as tensions grow between Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir, following recent arrests of Machar’s allies and military actions in Juba. The fragile peace established in 2018 is now under scrutiny as fears of a larger conflict loom large.
South Sudan faces renewed fears of civil war as tensions rise following the arrest of Vice President Riek Machar’s allies and a military lockdown around his residence in Juba. Recent conflicts involving the ‘White Army,’ a militia previously allied with Machar, against government forces near the Upper Nile state underscore this precarious security situation. The longstanding rivalry between Machar and President Salva Kiir has historically fueled violence, notably leading to a deadly civil war in 2013 that resulted in over 400,000 deaths and the displacement of 2.5 million people.
The unrest raises critical questions about the sustainability of the 2018 peace agreement that was designed to stabilize the nation after years of brutal conflict. Observers are concerned that the fragile political dynamics may lead South Sudan back to full-scale civil war. In discussions about these developments, experts highlight the potential for conflict to escalate far-reaching consequences that could envelop not just South Sudan but also the broader region.
The recent arrests and military activities surrounding Vice President Riek Machar may signal a dangerous turning point for South Sudan. With historical animosities between Machar and President Salva Kiir rekindling, there are serious implications for the 2018 peace accord and regional stability. Vigilant monitoring of this situation is essential as the nation stands on the precipice of another humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
