Escalating Violence Threatens Peace in South Sudan
South Sudan is experiencing a surge in violence, particularly in Upper Nile. Tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar are escalating, with recent arrests amidst armed clashes. The fragile peace since the 2018 agreement is at risk due to the ongoing civil war in Sudan and a struggling economy, raising fears of widespread conflict and instability.
South Sudan is witnessing an alarming rise in violence, particularly in its Upper Nile state, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The fragile peace established by a 2018 agreement is increasingly threatened, as internal divisions and rampant corruption complicate the situation.
Recent tensions have intensified between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, former adversaries turned rivals. Authorities have detained several of Machar’s associates, including the oil minister, amid violent confrontations in Upper Nile. The National Security Service confirmed the arrests of individuals with suspected ties to the escalating confrontations.
Since mid-February, fighting has erupted in Upper Nile between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the “White Army,” a youth militia allied with Machar. A U.N. helicopter, tasked with rescuing SSPDF soldiers, was attacked, resulting in the death of a general and 27 soldiers. Thousands have fled their homes, and numerous injuries have been reported, emphasizing the escalating crisis.
The violence comes five years after the 2018 peace deal that concluded a devastating civil war, which claimed approximately 400,000 lives and displaced around four million. The resurgence of conflict is partly fueled by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has disrupted South Sudan’s oil-dependent economy and led to a significant income loss for the government.
The International Crisis Group pointed out that South Sudan lost two-thirds of its income due to damage to a key export pipeline. This economic downturn has exacerbated the government’s budgetary crisis, diminishing resources necessary for maintaining Kiir’s patronage network and stabilizing his authority.
Moreover, the Sudanese military has historically leveraged South Sudan’s ethnic divisions, heightening fears of further strife between the Nuer and Dinka populations. The risk of a wider conflict remains high, with organizations such as Human Rights Watch warning of potential outbreaks of widespread violence.
A recent U.N. report criticized the political and military leaders for exacerbating violence and instability, reflecting the failure of the leadership to serve the citizens of South Sudan. The ongoing power struggles between Kiir and Machar, coupled with inadequate government services, could lead to the nation’s collapse, rendering it vulnerable to militia control and illegal activities.
In summary, South Sudan currently faces a dire situation of escalating violence fueled by political rivalries and external influences. The fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement is at stake, as ongoing corruption and economic crises undermine governmental stability. The increasing tensions threaten to plunge the nation into widespread conflict, calling for urgent attention and intervention to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
