South Sudan: An Imminent Threat of Returning to Civil War?

South Sudan is at risk of returning to civil war due to recent arrests of allies of Vice President Riek Machar and military tensions in Juba. The ongoing conflict involves the ‘White Army’ militia clashing with government troops. Historical context reveals a contentious relationship between Machar and President Salva Kiir, leading to past civil wars and significant casualties. The 2018 peace deal is now in jeopardy.

South Sudan faces the potential risk of descending into civil war once more, following recent arrests of associates of Vice President Riek Machar and a temporary military blockade at his residence in Juba. These events have triggered concerns amidst renewed violence involving the militia known as the ‘White Army’, which had previously allied with Machar against government forces in Upper Nile state, near the Ethiopian border.

The contentious relationship between Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir has historically been a source of instability. Their political rivalry escalated into a conflict in 2013 that claimed approximately 400,000 lives and displaced over 2.5 million individuals. The peace agreement established in 2018, which aimed to end the protracted hostilities, is now under scrutiny in light of the current tensions and outbreaks of violence.

In summary, the situation in South Sudan remains precarious, with the recent arrests and clashes signaling a potential resurgence of civil conflict. The historical tensions between Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir, compounded by the activities of militias, pose significant threats to the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. This scenario necessitates close monitoring to prevent further escalation of violence.

Original Source: www.bbc.com