Tensions in South Sudan are rising, threatening the 2018 peace accord due to political instability, militia attacks, and military actions. Recent clashes reflect worsening conditions, prompting calls for urgent intervention to prevent renewed civil war and regional destabilization.
Tensions in South Sudan are escalating, jeopardizing the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. Recent events, including cabinet reshuffles, arrests of senior officials in Juba, and a resurgence of militia activity in Upper Nile State, are heightening the risk of renewed civil conflict.
A significant catalyst for the current crisis was the March 4 attack on a South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) base in Nasir, executed by the White Army, a Nuer militia associated with First Vice President Riek Machar. This assault was driven by disputes over replacing the SSPDF with a force comprising local militias.
As worries mount, President Salva Kiir attempted to alleviate concerns, claiming that South Sudan “would not revert to war” on March 7. However, his reassurances have not quelled the anxiety felt by citizens in Juba and within the international community.
Experts, including Solomon Dersso of Amani Africa, stress that the situation is deteriorating swiftly, warning that the fragile peace could unravel. High-level intervention is critical to curtail further violence and preserve stability in the region.
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) is urgently addressing this crisis in its 1265th session, indicating the seriousness of the situation. Concerns about escalating violence persist, especially following reports of Uganda dispatching special forces to Juba, reflecting regional worries regarding South Sudan’s stability.
The collapse of the peace agreement would not only have dire humanitarian consequences but could also increase tensions across the volatile region, straining neighboring countries and multilateral organizations as they grapple with potential fallout from renewed conflict.
The situation in South Sudan is critical, with political and military tensions escalating dangerously. The fragility of the 2018 peace agreement is evident, highlighted by militia attacks and the government’s response. International stakeholders, including the African Union, recognize the urgent need for intervention to prevent a return to full-scale conflict, which would have severe implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
