Renewed Tensions in South Sudan Amid Political Instability and Violence
Tensions in South Sudan have intensified due to militia violence, cabinet reshuffles, and arrests of officials, primarily involving President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. This unrest threatens the fragile peace established after the 2018 agreement ending a civil war. Calls for dialogue and international intervention are crucial to prevent further conflict.
Tensions have surged in South Sudan due to escalating militia violence in Upper Nile state, recent cabinet reshuffles, and the detention of senior officials in Juba. President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar are central to the escalating insecurity, stemming from political disagreements that have ignited violent clashes, threatening the fragile peace established by a 2018 agreement that ended a civil war resulting in nearly 400,000 fatalities.
The recent discord unfolded following a cabinet reshuffle in February where Kiir dismissed key officials, which Machar considered a violation of the peace agreement. This action spurred protests and violence in regions like western Bahr al-Ghazal, as described by Daniel Akech, an analyst at the International Crisis Group. Kiir’s subsequent order to redeploy forces ignited violence in Upper Nile, where a United Nations helicopter was attacked during a rescue mission, resulting in fatalities and further aggravating tensions.
In response to the violence, Western embassies condemned the helicopter attack, prompting the U.S. Embassy to order the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan. A U.S. travel advisory emphasized the ongoing armed conflict among various political and ethnic factions, indicating that weapons are readily available to civilians.
On March 12, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a summit to address the rising tensions, while Uganda deployed special forces to secure Juba. The arrangement reinforces Uganda’s military involvement and allegiance to President Kiir, amidst concerns over potential conflicts at the borders between opposing forces stationed near the capital.
The United Nations has issued warnings about a potential regression in South Sudan’s political progress. Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, stated that the country is regressing at a critical juncture and returning to dangerous power struggles. The commission highlighted a significant human rights crisis, food insecurity affecting over half of the population, and millions displaced internally or fleeing to neighboring nations.
Local civil society groups are advocating for political dialogue to avert further hostilities. Analysts, including Akech, indicate that deep-seated tensions between Kiir and Machar are exacerbating instability. Despite the peace agreement, mutual distrust, unresolved conflicts, and the lack of a united military remain significant barriers to peace.
Concerns persist regarding the possibility of renewed civil war as each leader commands their armed forces, complicating the security landscape. The crisis in Sudan also influences South Sudan’s situation, given its reliance on oil transported through Sudan. Political scientist Abiol Lual Deng highlighted that while full-scale violence is not predetermined, the ongoing low-level violence underscores the precariousness of the situation, with the international community’s influence being crucial to any potential resolution.
The rising tensions in South Sudan stem from political strife between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar, exacerbated by a recent cabinet reshuffle and escalating militia violence. The international community is urged to carefully navigate this precarious situation to avert further conflict. Striking a balance between diplomatic intervention and addressing local grievances remains essential to fostering long-term stability in the region.
Original Source: www.dw.com
