A major party in South Sudan’s coalition government, the SPLM-IO, has partially withdrawn from a key element of the 2018 peace deal due to rising tensions between its leader, Riek Machar, and President Salva Kiir. The situation is aggravated by recent clashes, political arrests, and accusations of links to ethnic militias, raising fears of a return to civil conflict. Increased regional tensions from neighboring Sudan further threaten peace efforts and stability.
In a significant development, a key party within South Sudan’s coalition government has announced its suspension from critical aspects of the 2018 peace agreement. This decision arises amid escalating tensions between Riek Machar, the leader of the SPLM-IO and First Vice President, and President Salva Kiir, which have deteriorated following recent clashes and subsequent arrests.
The 2018 peace deal was pivotal in bringing an end to a five-year civil war between the factions loyal to Kiir and Machar. However, the relationship between the two leaders has become increasingly strained, particularly after recent violent confrontations in eastern South Sudan.
Notably, security forces launched a crackdown on SPLM-IO officials earlier this month, arresting prominent figures, including the petroleum minister. This followed a situation where the White Army, an ethnic militia allied with Machar, compelled government troops to withdraw from Nasir, close to the Ethiopian border.
The government’s accusations against the SPLM-IO for alleged ties to the White Army, primarily composed of Nuer youths, have been firmly denied by the party. Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, SPLM-IO’s deputy chairman, stated that the party would halt its involvement in security frameworks of the peace process until the detained officials are freed, emphasizing the threat posed by ongoing political persecution to the peace agreement.
The clashes around Nasir have resulted in the displacement of approximately 50,000 people since February, with 10,000 fleeing to Ethiopia, according to the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Anita Kiki Gbeho.
Nicholas Haysom, head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, expressed alarm at the country’s precarious situation, suggesting it is nearing a potential return to civil conflict. He highlighted the pervasive hate speech and misinformation, which could exacerbate ethnic tensions within the ongoing crisis.
Analysts point to the repercussions of the Sudanese conflict, noting its contribution to the disintegration of the peace process in South Sudan, with halted oil revenues and increased regional instability. Alan Boswell from the International Crisis Group remarked on the likelihood of spillover violence from Sudan, indicating that tensions may soon extend into the capital, Juba.
This situation in South Sudan underscores the fragile state of the peace process, as internal conflicts and deeper political divides arise, exacerbating fears of renewed civil war. The implications of the ongoing arrests, militia actions, and external influences from regional conflicts paint a troubling picture for the future stability of the nation. Continuous monitoring and active diplomatic efforts are essential to address escalating tensions and safeguard the peace agreement.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
