South Sudan On The Brink: Peace Deal At Risk As Tensions Escalate

 

A fragile peace deal that ended years of devastating conflict in South Sudan is now on the verge of collapse, raising fears that the world’s youngest nation could once again descend into war.

A Nation Struggling for Stability

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of conflict, only to be plunged into a brutal civil war two years later. The fighting, largely divided along ethnic lines, claimed an estimated 400,000 lives before a ceasefire was brokered in 2018.

Since then, the country has been governed by a coalition led by President Salva Kiir and five vice presidents, including his longtime rival, Riek Machar. However, tensions within this uneasy alliance have resurfaced, threatening to unravel years of diplomatic efforts.

The Current Crisis

The latest political turmoil erupted when Machar, leader of the SPLM/A-IO party, was arrested this week. His party declared that the detention “effectively brings the peace agreement to a collapse,” warning that stability in South Sudan is now in serious jeopardy.

Machar’s arrest follows the detainment of several other SPLM/A-IO officials and the controversial arrival of Ugandan troops, invited by Kiir to assist in quelling local militias. The SPLM/A-IO condemned the intervention, calling it an act of aggression against civilians.

In a letter to the United Nations, Machar denounced Uganda’s military involvement, arguing that it violated the terms of the peace deal. Meanwhile, clashes between government forces and a Nuer militia known as the White Army have left dozens dead, further escalating tensions.

On Friday, South Sudanese authorities confirmed Machar’s arrest, accusing him of inciting a rebellion and orchestrating attacks on military installations and a UN helicopter. The White Army, however, denies any connection to Machar or his party.

International Reactions

The international community has expressed alarm over the unfolding crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that South Sudan is “one step closer to the edge of a collapse into civil war.” The UN has urged all parties to de-escalate tensions, fearing a repeat of past bloodshed.

Western nations, including the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and Norway, have called for Machar’s immediate release and a ceasefire between armed groups. Both the US and UK embassies have advised their citizens to leave South Sudan while they still can.

The African Union has announced plans to send a delegation to the capital, Juba, to mediate the situation. Additionally, Kenyan President William Ruto’s envoy has engaged in talks with Kiir in hopes of finding a path to peace.

A Nation on the Edge

South Sudan’s deep-rooted challenges extend beyond politics. According to the World Bank, ongoing violence, mismanagement of resources, and political instability have exacerbated humanitarian suffering. Over two-thirds of the population live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 per day.

Despite its struggles, the country hosts more than half a million refugees from neighboring conflict zones, including Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic.

The UN has described South Sudan as “a country on the edge,” warning that multiple crises are converging at once. As global attention shifts elsewhere, Secretary-General Guterres urged the world not to ignore South Sudan’s plight:

“We cannot let the situation fall over the abyss.”