Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s information minister, claims there are no significant concerns about instability, which contradicts numerous reports indicating rising tensions and violence. The U.N. and other organizations highlight the deteriorating situation, including militia activity and political tensions, leading to severe travel advisories and foreign military involvement.
Michael Makuei Lueth, the South Sudanese information minister, has attempted to downplay the concerns regarding the country’s stability, attributing fears to rumors and social media misinformation. However, this assertion does not accurately reflect the security situation on the ground.
The United Nations has documented a substantial deterioration in South Sudan’s situation, pointing to increased tensions stemming from the internal conflict between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those aligned with Vice President Riek Machar. The U.N. emphasizes the fragility of the 2018 peace agreement, with ongoing violence particularly in Upper Nile and Nasir regions.
On March 7, a U.N. helicopter was attacked while evacuating South Sudanese troops, resulting in fatalities for both U.N. personnel and South Sudanese soldiers, including a senior general. This incident highlights the escalating violence and threats faced by international personnel in the region.
In response to the growing instability, the Ugandan military has deployed special forces to support the South Sudanese government in securing the capital, Juba. This foreign military intervention suggests that the security situation has reached a critical level.
Militia activity, notably by the “White Army” associated with Machar’s forces, has intensified. On March 4, this militia overran an army base in Nasir, leading to the deaths of soldiers and escalating fears of renewed civil war. Political tensions between Kiir and Machar have also heightened, with arrests reported among generals linked to Machar.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for South Sudan, cautioning of “greater risk of life-threatening danger” and advising against travel to the region. Nonessential personnel have been ordered to exit the country in light of the prevailing armed conflict.
The Brussels-based International Crisis Group has voiced grave concerns, stating that “tensions are running dangerously high in South Sudan,” particularly with militias like the White Army exerting control in critical areas. They warned that conflict in Upper Nile could extend to neighboring regions, further destabilizing the area.
The claims by Minister Lueth regarding the stability of South Sudan are contradicted by independent international assessments. Evidence indicates a severe decline in security marked by violence, political instability, and growing threats of renewed civil conflict. The presence of Ugandan military forces and the U.S. travel advisory underscore the escalating crisis that demands serious attention and action from the global community.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
