Escalating Tensions in South Sudan: Vice President Riek Machar Arrested
Riek Machar, First Vice President of South Sudan, has been arrested in Juba amid rising tensions with President Salva Kiir. His party condemned the arrest, labeling it unconstitutional and the charges unclear. UNMISS warned that the country is on the verge of war, with over 50,000 people displaced due to recent clashes.
Riek Machar, South Sudan’s First Vice President, was arrested in Juba, as confirmed by his party’s Foreign Relations Committee chairman. This arrest, which involved approximately 20 heavily armed vehicles, has sparked significant concern due to Machar’s longstanding rivalry with President Salva Kiir.
Machar’s political party, the SPLM-IO, has condemned the Minister of Defense and Chief of National Security for what they describe as unconstitutional actions. They have characterized the charges against Machar as “unclear,” highlighting the ambiguity surrounding his detention.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed alarm over the arrest, suggesting that it could lead the nation to the brink of war. Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, urged all parties involved to “exercise restraint” as the nation faces a critical juncture between conflict and potential peace.
Recent clashes between forces loyal to both Kiir and Machar have been reported, with over 50,000 people displaced in Upper Nile. Foreign governments are expressing serious concerns regarding the escalation of civil war in South Sudan, prompting Norway and Germany to temporarily close their embassies due to the volatile security situation.
In summary, the recent arrest of Riek Machar has heightened tensions in South Sudan, raising fears of a return to widespread conflict. Both the UN and foreign governments have expressed grave concerns, calling for restraint and emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution. With tens of thousands displaced amid escalating violence, the situation remains precarious and demands immediate attention from the international community.
Original Source: www.dw.com
