South Sudan’s Deputy President Threatens Withdrawal from Peace Agreement
Deputy President Riek Machar of South Sudan threatens to withdraw from the 2018 peace agreement if two ousted officials are not reinstated within 24 hours. The reshuffle includes several high-ranking officials, and Machar claims these actions violate their prior agreements. The peace agreement’s stability is jeopardized amidst ongoing challenges in governance and the approaching election schedule.
South Sudan’s Deputy President, Riek Machar, is threatening to withdraw from the peace agreement established in 2018 with President Salva Kiir following a recent government reshuffle that resulted in the dismissal of several senior officials. Machar has declared that if Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng and Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba, the governor of Western Equatoria, are not reinstated within 24 hours, he will leave the accord. The reshuffle also affected two other vice presidents and the spy chief, raising tensions between the government factions.
Machar asserted that these dismissals contravene the power-sharing agreement that allowed him to assume the role of first vice president and return to Juba. He emphasized that his faction would not accept any further violations of the peace accord, which aims to stabilize the nation after years of conflict. Currently, the government is grappling with various challenges related to the implementation of the 2018 agreement, including necessary reforms and the unification of the army command.
The peace deal, which was facilitated with the support of international stakeholders, was intended to bring stability to the country following a devastating civil war that began in December 2013 due to ethnic divisions. As hopes for a brighter future emerged with South Sudan’s independence in 2011, the reality has been marred by ongoing political strife, missed deadlines, and an impending election set for 2026. The United Nations has warned that the stability of South Sudan remains precarious due to these continued challenges in the political landscape.
In summary, Deputy President Riek Machar’s threat to exit the 2018 peace agreement highlights the fragility of South Sudan’s political framework in the wake of recent government firings. The ongoing tensions reflect deeper issues related to power-sharing and governmental reforms that are yet to be addressed. With the prospect of future elections looming, the situation remains critical for the peace and stability of the nation.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
