South Sudan is experiencing a resurgence of violence in its Upper Nile state due to internal political tensions and the spillover effects of the Sudanese war. President Kiir and Vice President Machar’s rivalry is exacerbating instability, threatening the fragile peace achieved in 2018. Significant economic challenges and ethnic divisions contribute to the rising conflict risk.
South Sudan’s Upper Nile state is experiencing a surge in violence as the war in Sudan worsens internal divisions and corruption. The fragile peace established by a 2018 accord is now endangered due to renewed tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Recent arrests of Machar’s allies amidst clashes highlight the unhealthy dynamics at play.
The South Sudanese army (SSPDF), supported by militia forces, has been engaged in conflict with the “White Army,” a youth group aligned with Machar, since mid-February. An incident involving a U.N. helicopter rescue saw significant casualties, with a general and 27 soldiers killed, resulting in thousands displaced and numerous injuries reported by Human Rights Watch.
The 2018 peace deal, which ended a deadly civil war between Kiir’s Dinka and Machar’s Nuer factions, faces challenges partly due to the civil unrest in Sudan since April 2023. Following a pipeline explosion, South Sudan suffered a loss of two-thirds of its oil revenue, creating a budget crisis for Kiir’s government while further destabilizing the region.
The persistent exploitation of South Sudan’s ethnic divisions by Sudan’s military raises concerns that tensions may simmer further between the Nuer and Dinka communities. With ongoing poverty and corruption, the risk of widespread conflict grows as multilateral organizations warn that rising violence threatens the stability of South Sudan.
A U.N. report underscores the detrimental role of the nation’s political and military elite in exacerbating violence. Yasmin Sooka, chair of the commission, condemned the leadership for its failure to serve the needs of the populace. A collapse of governance could usher in more militia activity and illicit operations throughout South Sudan, according to experts at the International Crisis Group.
The situation in South Sudan, marked by resurging violence and internal corruption, poses a significant threat to the fragile peace established in 2018. Key issues include deteriorating economic conditions due to the war in neighboring Sudan, deepened ethnic divides, and failed leadership. The risks of widespread conflict are escalating, necessitating urgent international attention to avoid further humanitarian crises.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
