Escalating Clashes in South Sudan Heighten Concerns of Renewed War

The IGAD has cautioned that escalating conflicts in South Sudan could lead to renewed war, threatening the 2018 peace deal. Violence between factions loyal to leaders Kiir and Machar has intensified, prompting international concerns. Despite government reassurances, the situation remains precarious, with the U.S. ordering evacuations and Uganda deploying forces to Juba.

The escalating clashes in South Sudan have prompted the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to express concerns about a potential resurgence of war, jeopardizing the fragile peace agreement established in 2018. On Wednesday, IGAD underscored that renewed violence between President Salva Kiir’s and Vice President Riek Machar’s factions poses a serious threat to stability in the region.

Recent tensions have intensified, particularly following an assault on a United Nations helicopter attempting an evacuation in the northeast, which resulted in both the death of a UN crew member and a South Sudanese general. This escalation is indicative of the country’s precarious situation, as emphasized by a March 4 incident where members of the White Army—an ethnic Nuer militia allied with Machar—overran a military base in Nasir, involving approximately 6,000 armed fighters.

Despite assurances from President Kiir regarding the country’s stability, IGAD cautioned that South Sudan exists at a critical juncture, teetering between the prospects of peace and the dangers of renewed conflict. The organization urged all involved parties to work towards de-escalating hostilities to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

In response to these developments, the South Sudanese government asserted that the environment remains secure, with the foreign ministry claiming the nation is “open and safe” for visitors and investors. Nonetheless, the United States has advised non-emergency personnel to evacuate from South Sudan amid ongoing conflict reports. Concurrently, Uganda has reportedly dispatched special forces to Juba, which South Sudanese officials have denied.

As the risk of increased violence looms, both regional and international stakeholders continue to closely observe the evolving circumstances, emphasizing the need for stability in the region.

The emerging clashes in South Sudan illustrate a troubling escalation in violence that threatens to unravel the peace accord of 2018. Despite government reassurances, IGAD’s warnings and international reactions underscore significant concerns over potential conflict resurgence. It remains essential for all parties to prioritize de-escalation and maintain stability in South Sudan to avert further crises.

Original Source: newscentral.africa