The arrest of South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar has sent shockwaves through the nation, with opposition leaders declaring that the 2018 peace deal has effectively collapsed.
This development raises fears of a return to the violent civil war that plagued the country from 2013 to 2018.
Key Takeaways
- Riek Machar, a key figure in South Sudan’s government, was arrested by armed forces at his residence.
- The opposition claims this arrest nullifies the 2018 peace agreement, risking a return to civil war.
- The United Nations has warned that the country is on the brink of widespread conflict.
- International embassies are reducing staff and urging citizens to leave due to escalating tensions.
Arrest Details
On Wednesday night, a convoy of 20 heavily armed vehicles arrived at Machar’s home in Juba, disarming his bodyguards and taking him into custody. This action marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir, who have been rivals since the country’s independence in 2011.
Machar’s party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO), stated that his arrest has effectively abrogated the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in 2018.
Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, deputy chairman of Machar’s party, emphasized that the prospect for peace and stability in South Sudan is now severely jeopardized.
International Response
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed grave concerns, stating that the country’s leaders are on the brink of relapsing into widespread conflict. Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, called for restraint and urged all parties to uphold the peace agreement.
In response to the escalating situation, several international embassies, including those of the United States, Germany, and Norway, have begun to close or reduce their operations in Juba. The U.S. State Department has called on President Kiir to reverse Machar’s arrest and prevent further escalation.
Background Context
The civil war in South Sudan, which lasted from 2013 to 2018, resulted in the deaths of approximately 400,000 people and displaced millions.
The 2018 peace deal was intended to bring stability to the nation, but recent events have highlighted the fragility of this agreement.
Tensions have been rising, particularly following violent clashes between government forces and Machar’s supporters, known as the White Army.
Potential Consequences
The arrest of Machar could lead to a resurgence of violence in South Sudan, with fears that it may trigger a full-scale civil war. Analysts warn that the situation could devolve into a decentralized conflict, making it difficult to control and resolve. The public sentiment in Juba is one of panic, with many fearing the consequences of renewed hostilities.
As the international community watches closely, the future of South Sudan hangs in the balance. The actions of President Kiir and the response of the opposition will be critical in determining whether the country can avoid a return to the devastating violence of its past.