South Sudan faces heightened risks of civil war as political tensions rise following the arrest of Vice President Riek Machar’s allies. Clashes between government troops and the White Army militia underscore instability. The overarching relationship between Machar and President Salva Kiir remains deeply fractious, raising questions about the durability of the 2018 peace agreement that ended previous conflicts.

The potential for South Sudan to revert to civil war has become a pressing concern as tensions escalate within the government. Notably, the recent arrest of key allies of Vice President Riek Machar and the military’s temporary encirclement of Machar’s residence in Juba have raised alarm bells. Additionally, violent confrontations between the White Army militia, which had previously allied with Machar, and government forces in Upper Nile state highlight the fragility of the situation.

The historical context underscores a deeply strained relationship between Machar and President Salva Kiir, whose political rivalry ignited a devastating civil war in 2013, resulting in approximately 400,000 fatalities and the displacement of over 2.5 million individuals. Consequently, the question emerges regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that had ostensibly concluded the conflict. As the situation unfolds, international experts are closely monitoring the dynamics between the opposition and government factions to assess the risk of renewed warfare.

In summary, South Sudan stands at a critical juncture as recent developments suggest a potential return to civil conflict. With the arrests of Vice President Riek Machar’s allies and clashes between opposing forces, the nation’s peace agreement from 2018 appears increasingly precarious. The historical enmity between Machar and President Salva Kiir further complicates the landscape, warranting vigilance from the international community.

Original Source: www.bbc.com