The UN warns of deteriorating conditions in South Sudan, citing violence and political tension following arrests of officials linked to Vice President Riek Machar. The situation threatens the 2018 peace deal concluded after a five-year civil war. UN officials stress the need for leaders to prioritize peace and democracy amid rising clashes and accusations between rival factions.
The situation in South Sudan is rapidly deteriorating due to escalating violence and political tensions that threaten the fragile peace process, according to a statement from a United Nations rights body. This distressing development follows the recent arrest of several officials associated with Vice President Riek Machar, shortly after security forces loyal to President Salva Kiir detained two ministers and additional high-ranking military members aligned with Machar.
These arrests have heightened concerns regarding the sustainability of the 2018 peace agreement, which brought an end to a devastating five-year civil conflict, resulting in nearly 400,000 casualties. Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, emphasized, “We are witnessing an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress.”
Sooka urged leaders to prioritize the peace process and uphold the human rights of the South Sudanese populace, thereby facilitating a seamless transition to democracy. The recent arrests occurred against the backdrop of intense clashes in the northern town of Nasir, where national forces clashed with the White Army militia, primarily comprised of Nuer ethnic members, Machar’s group.
Government spokesperson Michael Makuei stated that the arrests were justified due to alleged illegal actions by the Machar-affiliated officials, who were said to cooperate with the White Army in attacking a military facility on March 4. Although Machar’s party refutes these claims, tensions remain high.
Moreover, the National Security Services announced the detention of numerous individuals believed to be involved in the military confrontation in Nasir and nearby locations. Specific numbers regarding those arrested or their identities have not been disclosed. In a related event, on Friday, a South Sudanese general and many soldiers lost their lives when a U.N. helicopter was attacked while attempting to evacuate them from the troubled area.
The recent escalation of arrests and violence in South Sudan represents a significant threat to the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. As tensions mount between rival factions, the international community, particularly the United Nations, calls for immediate action to refocus leadership efforts toward maintaining peace and protecting human rights. The deteriorating situation demands urgent attention to prevent regression into conflict.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
