South Sudan’s Tensions Rise: Civil War Looming?

South Sudan is facing escalating tensions that could lead to civil war, following President Kiir’s arrests of Vice President Machar’s allies. The situation worsened with the White Army gaining territory and serious military actions against civilians. Peace agreements have stalled, raising fears of renewed conflict.

South Sudan is experiencing heightened tensions that could escalate into civil war. Recent actions taken by President Salva Kiir, particularly the arrest of key allies of Vice President Riek Machar—such as Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol—have intensified the situation. Both Machar and Chol belong to the Nuer ethnic group, which is significantly juxtaposed against the Dinka majority.

The conflict arose anew following the White Army, an informal militia of Machar’s Nuer group, gaining control over Nasir in Upper Nile State from the military. Historically, Machar has supported the White Army in previous conflicts. Under a 2018 peace agreement, Kiir and Machar intended to unify ethnic militias into a national army by 2022; however, negotiations have since stalled, leading to increasing instability.

In early February, Kiir’s administration dismissed Machar’s allies without following the agreed protocols mandated by the peace treaty. This led to violent repercussions including an attack by national troops on civilians in Nasir. Consequently, armed youths retaliated, killing soldiers in response to ongoing military abuses documented by the United Nations. These developments have culminated in military airstrikes targeting Machar’s forces.

The situation’s complexity is exacerbated by the recent restart of South Sudan’s oil production, which, while offering financial hope, does not address the critical underlying ethnic and political tensions threatening to plunge the nation back into war.

In summary, South Sudan stands on a precarious edge as tensions rise between ethnic groups amid governmental actions that may incite further violence. The collapse of negotiations for military unification, along with recent violent incidents involving civilians and military forces, underscores the fragility of peace. Without substantive dialogue and adherence to past agreements between Kiir and Machar, risks of civil conflict remain pronounced.

Original Source: www.gzeromedia.com