South Sudan: Political tensions threaten fragile peace, Machar’s arrest raises fears of renewed conflict

South Sudan’s fragile peace is under serious threat after the arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar, with his party declaring that the 2018 Peace agreement, which ended a five-year civil war, has effectively collapsed.

The South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in Opposition accused the Government of undermining political goodwill, which is essential for lasting stability. Machar, one of the country’s five Vice-presidents, has been detained by Government forces under unclear charges, sparking fears of renewed conflict.

The United Nations has warned that this development takes South Sudan closer to a return to civil war. Tensions have been escalating in recent months, particularly after clashes between Machar-aligned forces and government troops in Upper Nile state. The government’s response, including airstrikes on areas held by Machar’s supporters, has resulted in civilian casualties and further destabilised the region. The UN has urged both sides to adhere to the 2018 peace agreement, stressing the urgency of restoring Machar’s freedom and preventing further violence.

The international community has strongly condemned the arrest, with both the US and the African Union calling for immediate de-escalation and dialogue. The US State Department has urged President Salva Kiir to reverse Machar’s house arrest, while the African Union pledged to send a delegation to mediate the crisis. As tensions rise, South Sudan’s future hangs in the balance, with political leaders facing a critical moment that could either pave the way for peace or plunge the country back into devastating conflict.