The U.S. has ordered nonemergency personnel to leave South Sudan’s capital amid escalating tensions from ongoing fighting. Recent clashes have led to the arrests of government officials tied to Vice President Riek Machar, further straining the peace agreement established in 2018 after a devastating civil war. The U.N. warns that current violence threatens the peace process and highlights the need for renewed commitment to human rights and democracy.
The U.S. State Department has ordered the evacuation of nonemergency government personnel from South Sudan’s capital amid escalating tensions due to ongoing fighting in the north. The travel advisory highlights the precarious situation on the ground, noting that weapons are readily accessible to the civilian population.
Recent clashes between an armed group and the national army resulted in the arrest of two government ministers and a deputy army chief affiliated with former rebel-turned-Vice President Riek Machar. Reports indicate that the army has surrounded Machar’s residence, raising concerns about the stability of the nation’s peace agreement.
South Sudan experienced a civil war from 2013 to 2018, which led to over 400,000 deaths. A peace agreement was signed in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and Machar, but its implementation remains ongoing. The security situation has deteriorated further due to an attack on a U.N. helicopter on a mission to evacuate personnel, an incident that has been characterized as a potential war crime.
The U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned that the current violence and unrest threaten the fragile peace process. Chairperson Yasmin Sooka emphasized the urgency for leaders to refocus on promoting peace, upholding human rights, and guiding the nation toward a democratic transition.
In conclusion, the decision by the U.S. State Department to withdraw nonemergency personnel underscores the heightened tensions in South Sudan due to the recent fighting. The ongoing conflict raises serious questions regarding the peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, as well as the broader implications for human rights and stability in the nation. The international community is urged to support efforts to restore peace and uphold democracy in South Sudan.
Original Source: apnews.com
