South Sudan Under Tension: Igad Warns of Risk of War
An alarming security situation
South Sudan, already marked by years of conflict, is facing a worrying upsurge in violence. According to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), these tensions are pushing the country “ever closer to the brink of war”.
Clashes that threaten peace
Recent clashes in the country’s northeast pose a direct threat to the 2018 peace agreement. Last week, a dramatic incident took place when a UN helicopter, on a rescue mission for South Sudanese soldiers, was targeted. The attack resulted in the death of a crew member and a South Sudanese general. In addition, several people close to Vice-President Riek Machar were arrested, fuelling political tensions.
Involvement of the White Army
On March 4, around 6,000 fighters from the “White Army”, an armed group composed mainly of young people from the Nuer ethnic group, affiliated to Vice-President Machar, took control of a South Sudanese army camp. This event marks a dangerous escalation in the internal conflict.
Igad’s Call for Vigilance
Although President Salva Kiir has stated that the country will not descend into war again, Igad is concerned about the climate of cyclical violence. The regional bloc, which includes Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda, stresses that these incidents are putting increasing pressure on the peace agreement and threatening the country’s stability.
Conclusion: A Fragile Peace to Preserve
South Sudan is at a critical crossroads. Rising violence and political tensions could tip the country into a new civil war. The international community and regional players must redouble their efforts to preserve peace and support dialogue mechanisms to avoid a return to widespread conflict.
