SPLM-IO, a major South Sudanese political party, has partially withdrawn from the peace process due to deteriorating relations with President Salva Kiir, following clashes and detainment of its officials. With 50,000 displaced, increased ethnic tensions and external conflict exacerbate the situation. Calls for release of detained officials and concerns over a potential relapse into civil war have been raised.
A significant political development has occurred in South Sudan, where the SPLM-IO party, a major player in the coalition government, has announced a suspension of its involvement in a crucial aspect of the 2018 peace agreement. This decision is rooted in escalating tensions between Riek Machar, the party leader and First Vice President, and President Salva Kiir, particularly following recent violent clashes and the detention of SPLM-IO officials.
The peace deal implemented after a devastating five-year civil war has become increasingly tenuous, especially after clashes in eastern South Sudan. Government forces detained several key SPLM-IO officials, including the petroleum minister and a military deputy, amidst accusations of the party’s supposed connections with the White Army militia comprised mainly of Nuer ethnic youths supporting Machar in previous conflicts.
Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, the SPLM-IO deputy chairman, indicated that the party would refrain from participating in security measures associated with the peace deal until the detained officials are released. He emphasized that these political purges jeopardize both the integrity and survival of the peace agreement.
The conflict in Upper Nile state has caused a humanitarian crisis, displacing approximately 50,000 individuals, with many fleeing to neighboring Ethiopia. Additionally, the UN’s Nicholas Haysom expressed concern about the growing risk of a civil war resurgence, exacerbated by rampant hate speech and misinformation.
Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in Sudan is contributing to instability in South Sudan, with complications such as halted oil revenues and an influx of arms threatening to escalate violence. Experts warn that this could lead to a deterioration of peace efforts, particularly in the capital, Juba.
The current situation in South Sudan reveals a precarious political landscape marked by increased tensions between key political figures and ongoing violence. The suspension of SPLM-IO’s participation in the peace process raises significant concerns regarding the future stability of the nation. As humanitarian issues worsen, and external conflicts complicate matters, the potential for a return to civil strife seems imminent unless dialogues are resumed and political resolutions are achieved.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
