Riek Machar Placed Under House Arrest
The political tensions in South Sudan have escalated dramatically following the arrest of Riek Machar. The arrest of first Vice President Riek Machar and his wife, Interior Minister Angelina Teny has sparked tension in South Sudan.
They have been placed under house arrest on Wednesday after heavily armed security forces stormed their residence. The army went ahead to disarm their bodyguards. This move has sparked fears of renewed conflict in a country still recovering from years of civil war.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), Machar’s party, has condemned the arrest. The party claims that the move effectively nullifies the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. The agreement was instrumental in ending the last civil war.
The UN has also raised concerns, warning that the latest developments could push South Sudan back into violence. Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan, has urged leaders to prioritize peace and avoid further instability.
Meanwhile, clashes in Nasir have intensified, with reports of a UN helicopter being attacked while evacuating South Sudanese soldiers. The attack, led in the deaths of a South Sudanese general and a UN crew member. This attack has been labeled a potential war crime by the UN. The U.S. and other Western nations have urged President Salva Kiir to release Machar immediately and to avoid actions that could lead to further violence.
Kenya’s Raila Odinga Sent to Mediate After Riek Machar Arrest
Kenyan President William Ruto has appointed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a special envoy to South Sudan. Odinga is set to travel to Juba to engage with South Sudanese leaders and mediate in the unfolding crisis.
Odinga, who has previously played a role in South Sudanese peace efforts, is expected to hold talks with key political figures, including President Kiir. This is in a bid to de-escalate the situation. President Ruto emphasized the urgency of the crisis, noting that after consultations with regional leaders. He said, “it is necessary to dispatch a senior mediator to prevent further conflict.”
With tensions at an all-time high, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether South Sudan can avoid another civil war. The international community, particularly regional bodies like the African Union and IGAD, will be closely watching the developments as efforts to stabilize the nation intensify.
