UN Raises Alarm Over South Sudan's Escalating Political Tensions
After the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar, the UN warns of increased risks of civil war in South Sudan.
The United Nations has expressed serious concerns regarding the deteriorating political and security landscape in South Sudan, urging all factions to demonstrate restraint and adhere to the terms of the Revitalized Peace Agreement established in 2018. This warning follows the recent detention of First Vice President Riek Machar, which has heightened tensions between him and President Salva Kiir.
On Wednesday, a convoy led by key security officials, including the defense minister, gained access to Machar's residence in the capital, Juba, where they disarmed his bodyguards and confined him to house arrest.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the two leaders, whose relationship has been increasingly fraught amid ongoing ethnic conflicts and sporadic violence since the peace agreement was signed.
The 2018 peace accord was intended to bring an end to a devastating five-year civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths.
Despite this agreement, Machar's party now asserts that his recent detention signifies a collapse of the peace initiative and risks plunging the country back into violence.
In addition to the political turmoil, recent clashes between the South Sudanese army and a rebel faction formerly allied with Machar have reportedly involved the use of barrel bombs.
These munitions are believed to contain highly flammable substances and have raised alarms about the escalation of military engagements in the region.
During a daily press briefing, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric highlighted the gravity of the situation, asserting that Machar's detention represents a critical threat to stability in South Sudan and may drive the nation toward renewed civil conflict.
He indicated that the population cannot bear the ramifications of another civil war, as the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen—an estimated 9.3 million people currently require assistance amidst ongoing violence, climate change effects, and a worsening economic situation.
The UN Mission in South Sudan has called on both Kiir and Machar to settle their differences through dialogue, end military actions, and collaboratively work towards a sustainable democratic future for the nation.
The mission has reiterated its dedication to supporting South Sudan in overcoming the myriad challenges it faces and in maintaining peace.
South Sudan, which became the world's youngest nation following its independence from Sudan in July 2011, continues to confront substantial obstacles in its quest for stability and prosperity.
On Wednesday, a convoy led by key security officials, including the defense minister, gained access to Machar's residence in the capital, Juba, where they disarmed his bodyguards and confined him to house arrest.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the two leaders, whose relationship has been increasingly fraught amid ongoing ethnic conflicts and sporadic violence since the peace agreement was signed.
The 2018 peace accord was intended to bring an end to a devastating five-year civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths.
Despite this agreement, Machar's party now asserts that his recent detention signifies a collapse of the peace initiative and risks plunging the country back into violence.
In addition to the political turmoil, recent clashes between the South Sudanese army and a rebel faction formerly allied with Machar have reportedly involved the use of barrel bombs.
These munitions are believed to contain highly flammable substances and have raised alarms about the escalation of military engagements in the region.
During a daily press briefing, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric highlighted the gravity of the situation, asserting that Machar's detention represents a critical threat to stability in South Sudan and may drive the nation toward renewed civil conflict.
He indicated that the population cannot bear the ramifications of another civil war, as the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen—an estimated 9.3 million people currently require assistance amidst ongoing violence, climate change effects, and a worsening economic situation.
The UN Mission in South Sudan has called on both Kiir and Machar to settle their differences through dialogue, end military actions, and collaboratively work towards a sustainable democratic future for the nation.
The mission has reiterated its dedication to supporting South Sudan in overcoming the myriad challenges it faces and in maintaining peace.
South Sudan, which became the world's youngest nation following its independence from Sudan in July 2011, continues to confront substantial obstacles in its quest for stability and prosperity.
