The U.S. has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency staff from South Sudan due to rising tensions threatening the fragile power-sharing agreement between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar. Recent violence, including a deadly UN helicopter attack, raises international alarm over the potential for widespread ethnic conflict.
The United States has mandated the evacuation of all non-emergency personnel from South Sudan, as stated by the State Department amidst escalating tensions in the region. The power-sharing pact between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, established to maintain peace, is under threat due to violent confrontations between their allied forces in Upper Nile State.
On a recent mission, a UN helicopter was attacked, resulting in the death of a crew member, along with an army general. This incident highlights the escalating violence and instability in the region. President Kiir has called for calm, assuring citizens that a return to war is not imminent, yet the international community remains concerned regarding the situation.
As of March 8, 2025, the State Department affirmed that the departure order for non-emergency US government employees stems from ongoing armed conflicts involving political and ethnic factions, with weapons readily available among the populace. South Sudan, having emerged as an independent nation in 2011 and ending its civil war in 2018, is now grappling with increasing unrest fueled by political rivalries.
Accusations against Machar’s forces indicate potential unrest in Nasir County, allegedly supported by the White Army, an ethnic Nuer militia. The UN human rights commission for South Sudan has expressed grave concerns over an “alarming regression” that could reverse years of peace efforts. Furthermore, the International Crisis Group cautioned that South Sudan is swiftly descending into widespread conflict, posing risks of significant ethnic violence if the current situation remains unchecked.
In summary, the U.S. decision to withdraw non-emergency personnel underscores the severity of the escalating conflict in South Sudan. The fragile power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar is increasingly at risk as armed confrontations continue. The international community is alarmed, with warnings of potential ethnic violence and the deterioration of hard-won peace, highlighting the urgency for intervention and stabilization efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
