The world’s youngest nation, South Sudan, is once again on the brink of war. This month, a United Nations helicopter was attacked during an evacuation mission, resulting in the death of one crew member and serious injuries to two others. The conflict has led the United States to withdraw all non-emergency government employees from the country due to security threats. The attack highlights the fragile stability of the nation almost 15 years after its independence.
Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing situation in South Sudan:
- Who is fighting? The main parties involved in the clashes are the South Sudanese national military, led by President Salva Kiir, and an opposition force known as the White Army, believed to be allied with Vice President Riek Machar.
Background of the conflict: Kiir and Machar led the warring sides of the civil war that broke out in 2013. A fragile peace agreement was reached in 2018, which demilitarized the capital, provided for the sharing of oil earnings, and reinstated Machar as vice president. However, political and ethnic tensions have persisted, leading to frequent clashes characterized by interethnic violence.
What led to the latest escalation? The opposition coalition led by Machar accuses the government of targeting their allies and arresting political and military leaders. The government, in turn, accuses the White Army of attacking and capturing a military garrison in the northern town of Nasir. The U.N. helicopter in Upper Nile came under fire despite assurances of safe passage.
The risk of government collapse: The latest tensions threaten the fragile government with a possible collapse. Opposition groups describe the arrests as a sign of Kiir’s reluctance to honor the peace agreement and his determination to maintain political control. The country is at risk of slipping into a new civil war.
Impact of U.S. aid cuts: The reduction in American aid is having a dire impact on the humanitarian situation in South Sudan. The shortage of humanitarian aid is worsening food insecurity and hindering the delivery of essential health services, including the prevention of diseases like cholera and tuberculosis.
Uganda’s role: Uganda has deployed its special forces to Juba to secure the South Sudanese capital. The Ugandan military chief recognizes Kiir as the only president, indicating that any opposition to him would be seen as a declaration of war against Uganda.
Regional concerns: Regional observers worry that the Ugandan deployment and the potential state collapse could converge with the ongoing war in neighboring Sudan, leading to further conflict in the region.
The United Nations and regional bodies have called on South Sudanese leaders to de-escalate the crisis and resolve issues through dialogue. They have urged for the release of detained officials and the implementation of necessary changes to complete a transitional period ahead of elections.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/17/world/africa/south-sudan-war.html
