The U.S. has ordered non-emergency staff to leave South Sudan due to escalating violence following clashes between forces loyal to President Kiir and Vice President Machar. The situation raises international alarm, with warnings of a potential return to war and large-scale ethnic violence.
On March 9, 2025, the United States State Department mandated the departure of all non-emergency staff from South Sudan due to escalating tensions. The fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar faces challenges following recent skirmishes involving their respective forces in Upper Nile State.
A United Nations helicopter was attacked during a rescue mission on Friday, resulting in the death of a crew member, while an army general also perished during the incident. The State Department cited the risks present in South Sudan, stating, “Armed conflict is ongoing and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups. Weapons are readily available to the population.”
South Sudan, recognized as the world’s youngest nation, reached a power-sharing arrangement in 2018, concluding a five-year civil war between bitter rivals Kiir and Machar. Accusations have arisen against Machar’s forces for instigating unrest in Nasir County, allegedly collaborating with the White Army, a group of armed youths from the Nuer community, which is also Machar’s ethnic group.
President Kiir urged the populace to maintain calm and assured them that a return to war is not imminent. However, international observers have raised concerns, with the UN human rights commission warning of an “alarming regression” in the country that jeopardizes the progress made toward peace.
The International Crisis Group has voiced that South Sudan is rapidly descending into full-blown conflict, cautioning that without prompt action, the nation could face “large scale ethnic massacres.”
In summary, the United States has directed non-emergency staff to evacuate South Sudan amid rising tensions stemming from renewed clashes between allied forces of President Kiir and Vice President Machar. The situation has garnered international concern, particularly from the United Nations and the International Crisis Group, both of which warn of the potential for significant violence and setbacks to peace efforts in the nation.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
