Heightened Tensions in South Sudan Risk Fragile Peace Accord

Tensions in South Sudan are escalating as the 2018 peace agreement faces threats from political conflicts and militia activities. Significant incidents, including an attack by the White Army militia, have raised concerns over a potential resurgence of civil war. Experts and regional leaders advocate for immediate intervention to preserve stability in the region.

Tensions are mounting in South Sudan as the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement faces critical challenges. Political and military conflicts between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, alongside recent cabinet reshuffles and senior official arrests, indicate a potential resurgence of civil war. The situation escalates particularly following a March 4 attack led by the White Army militia on a South Sudan People’s Defence Force base in Nasir, igniting fears of broader hostilities.

The attack was a direct response to contentious plans to modify the SSPDF structure by integrating forces from various militias, raising alarms about the stability of the country. With a legacy of nearly 400,000 deaths from the previous civil war, the ramifications of renewed conflict are dire. In an attempt to assuage anxiety, President Kiir stated on March 7 that South Sudan “would not revert to war,” yet his assurances have not alleviated the growing apprehension among the populace and regional stakeholders.

Experts like Solomon Dersso from Amani Africa have expressed concerns regarding the escalating situation, indicating that it could jeopardize the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. He emphasized the need for urgent high-level intervention to avert further deterioration of the situation. In response to the crisis, the African Union’s Peace and Security Council is convening to address the escalating tensions in South Sudan.

The recent clashes in Nasir are characterized as a continuation of ongoing violence by IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, who believes that these incidents draw South Sudan perilously closer to war. Additionally, reports confirming the deployment of Ugandan special forces to Juba suggest a heightened regional alarm over South Sudan’s stability, despite initial government denials.

International observers are attentively monitoring developments as the potential collapse of the peace agreement could trigger extensive consequences, destabilizing not just South Sudan but the surrounding region as well. The resurgence of conflict would impose significant humanitarian costs and further strain neighboring nations and multilateral organizations, already stretched thin by existing challenges.

In summary, South Sudan is facing a critical juncture as tensions rise between its political leaders, threatening the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. Recent violent incidents, particularly the attack in Nasir, underscore the precariousness of the situation. Regional and international stakeholders are urged to intervene to prevent a relapse into civil war, which would exacerbate humanitarian crises and destabilize the surrounding area.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke