Escalating Clashes in South Sudan Raise Fears of Renewed Conflict
Escalating violence in South Sudan is raising fears of renewed war, with IGAD warning of threats to stability following a fragile peace deal. Recent clashes, particularly involving the White Army militia and attacks on UN personnel, have led to heightened tensions. The government insists on a calm situation, while international responses include U.S. evacuations and Ugandan deployments.
The escalating clashes in South Sudan have raised alarms of a potential return to war, according to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). This East African regional bloc warned that ongoing violence, particularly between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, poses a significant threat to the fragile peace established following a five-year civil conflict that concluded in 2018.
Recent confrontations have intensified, notably after a United Nations helicopter was attacked during a mission to evacuate soldiers, resulting in fatalities, including a UN crew member and a South Sudanese general. The violence points to increasing instability despite President Kiir’s assurances of a commitment to peace.
A concerning incident on March 4 involved an estimated 6,000 armed members of the White Army, a militia group allied with Vice President Machar, overtaking a military base in Nasir, underscoring the escalating tensions within the country. IGAD remarked that South Sudan is “balanced precariously between the promise of peace and the peril of conflict,” urging all involved parties to ease hostilities.
The South Sudanese government responded by downplaying these concerns, with the foreign ministry declaring the circumstance to be calm. They asserted the nation remains “open and safe for visitors, investors, and development partners.” However, the United States has acted by ordering non-emergency personnel to evacuate due to the ongoing armed conflict, while Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba, a move South Sudanese officials have denied.
With the specter of widespread violence looming, both regional and international stakeholders are closely monitoring developments in South Sudan to assess the evolving political landscape and humanitarian implications.
In summary, rising clashes in South Sudan have prompted serious concerns regarding a return to civil war, with IGAD urging de-escalation of hostilities. The tensions are compounded by the recent violence and international reactions, including U.S. withdrawal of non-essential staff and the deployment of Ugandan forces. The situation remains tense, indicating a critical need for continuous observation and diplomatic intervention.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
