South Sudan Government Accuses Dr. Riek Machar of Rebellion Plotting

The South Sudan government has accused Vice President Dr. Riek Machar of plotting rebellion to destabilize the country, resulting in his house arrest. Allegations include mobilizing SPLA-IO forces for violent attacks and undermining peace efforts. International bodies have called for Machar’s release and adherence to the 2018 peace agreement, raising concerns about the nation’s stability.

The South Sudanese government, led by President Salva Kiir, has accused First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar of orchestrating a rebellion intended to destabilize the nation. Minister of Information, Michael Makuei, stated that intelligence reports indicated Machar, who has been placed under house arrest, is mobilizing his SPLA-IO forces to incite chaos and sabotage upcoming elections.

Makuei charged Machar with inciting the White Army militias to launch attacks against government troops, specifically referencing a deadly incident on March 4, 2025, in Nasir, Upper Nile State. He claimed that under Machar’s direction, SPLA-IO forces were responsible for the assault that resulted in significant fatalities among government forces.

Further allegations against Machar include his command for SPLA-IO forces to assault their SSPDF counterparts with whom they had been trained jointly. He purportedly directed these forces to take control of bases in various locations on March 25 and ordered their withdrawal from training centers shortly thereafter, with many leaders disappearing from their usual posts.

To prevent further attacks and preserve the fragile peace established by the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan, President Kiir mandated that Machar be placed under house arrest. This decision has elicited international concern, with calls for Machar’s release and adherence to the 2018 peace agreement from the United Nations, African Union, and various diplomatic missions.

In the wake of these tensions, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged President Kiir to liberate Machar and re-establish the unity government. The African Union, led by Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, announced plans to deploy a panel to address the situation. Diplomatic representatives from multiple nations have also called for Machar’s release, expressing alarm at the developments which threaten peace in South Sudan.

In summary, the South Sudan government has leveled serious accusations against Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, claiming he is instigating rebellion and violence against the state. His house arrest has sparked international outrage and calls for adherence to the 2018 peace agreement. These developments underscore the fragility of peace in South Sudan and the urgent need for diplomatic interventions to enhance stability.

Original Source: chimpreports.com