South Sudan: Fragile Peace at Risk of Collapse Amid Rising Tensions

South Sudan faces the risk of collapsing into civil war following the arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar, threatening the fragile peace established by a 2018 agreement. Ethnic tensions, military interventions, and international appeals for stability highlight the precarious situation in the world’s youngest nation, which struggles with extreme poverty and humanitarian crises.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, is on the brink of another civil war as a peace deal that ended a devastating conflict faces potential collapse. The nation, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following prolonged unrest, has been plagued by ethnic division and violence, leading to civil wars in 2013 and 2016. A ceasefire agreement was established in 2018, providing a fragile stability that is now threatened.

Currently, South Sudan’s government operates through a coalition led by President Salva Kiir and rival Riek Machar, who heads the SPLM/A-IO party. Tensions escalated following Machar’s recent arrest, which his party claims signifies the end of the peace agreement with Kiir. Furthermore, they stated that the situation has critically compromised prospects for maintaining peace and stability in the fragile nation.

The arrest occurred amid other detentions of SPLM/A-IO officials and the deployment of Ugandan troops at Kiir’s request to combat a local militia. Machar’s faction condemned this military intervention, asserting it violated the existing peace agreement. Historically, South Sudan has never conducted a national election, with the current power-sharing arrangement a result of the 2018 peace accord, following a civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths.

The ongoing conflict has heightened polarization between the Dinka and Nuer tribes, with recent clashes reported in Nasir resulting in multiple fatalities. Government officials accused Machar of instigating a rebellion, while Machar’s group denied any connection to the White Army militia involved.

International responses have been urgent, with UN representatives warning that the unrest threatens to plunge South Sudan back into civil war. Calls for de-escalation and the reversal of Machar’s arrest have been made by Western nations, emphasizing the urgency of establishing a ceasefire. The US embassy has advised its citizens to evacuate South Sudan promptly due to the volatile situation.

In light of these developments, the African Union is sending a delegation to facilitate peace discussions. Additionally, Kenya’s president’s envoy expressed hope for a potential solution following discussions in Juba with Kiir. World Bank assessments indicate worsening conditions, with two-thirds of the South Sudanese population living on less than $2.15 a day, exacerbating humanitarian challenges.

Despite these dire circumstances, South Sudan continues to host over half a million refugees from neighboring conflict zones, illustrating the nation’s complicated geopolitical landscape. The UN emphasizes the critical need to avert a further decline into chaos, urging the global community to remain vigilant and not overlook South Sudan’s plight.

In summary, South Sudan is teetering on the brink of renewed civil conflict due to escalating tensions stemming from the arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar and military actions involving external forces. The international community has expressed deep concern for the nation’s stability and humanitarian conditions, with calls for peace and de-escalation. As the country grapples with profound internal strife, the potential for a return to widespread violence looms large, underscoring the fragility of its current peace agreement.

Original Source: www.cnn.com