United States Orders Evacuation of Non-Emergency Staff from South Sudan Amidst Rising Tensions

The U.S. has ordered non-emergency staff to leave South Sudan due to rising tensions threatening the fragile peace between leaders Kiir and Machar. Ongoing fighting and a troubling UN report indicate significant risks to stability, with President Kiir emphasizing the need for calm amid escalating violence.

The United States has issued an order for all non-emergency staff to evacuate South Sudan amidst escalating tensions in the region. Recent hostilities pose a significant threat to the fragile peace agreement established between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, originally signed in 2018 to bring an end to the brutal civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

Fighting among various political and ethnic factions continues to be reported, with the U.S. State Department indicating that weapons are easily accessible to the populace. Due to the increasing risks, the Department of State mandated the departure of non-essential U.S. government employees on March 8, 2025.

The UN human rights commission has voiced concerns regarding an “alarming regression” in South Sudan, which threatens the hard-fought progress towards peace. President Kiir has urged for calm and reassured citizens that the nation will not revert to war.

Tensions escalated recently as a UN helicopter tasked with evacuating soldiers was shot at, resulting in multiple fatalities, including that of a crew member. Earlier, the government detained the deputy army chief and two ministers associated with Machar, a move condemned by opposition representatives as a significant breach of the peace agreement.

These arrests followed clashes in the Upper Nile state between the military and the White Army militia, formerly allied with Machar during the civil conflict. Since achieving independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with unrest, particularly following a political rift in 2013 that led to a devastating civil war. While the 2018 power-sharing agreement halted widespread conflict, key components remain unaddressed, including the formation of a new constitution and the unification of armed groups.

The situation in South Sudan is increasingly precarious, with the U.S. response highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing conflicts. The international community must remain vigilant in supporting peace efforts while ensuring the safety of governmental personnel amidst the rising violence and instability. The long-term implications of recent actions demand careful consideration and proactive measures to uphold the ethical commitments to peace and stability in the region.

Original Source: www.bbc.com