South Sudan’s political crisis deepened as opposition leader and Vice President Riek Machar was arrested by government forces, raising fears of a return to civil war. The United Nations has urged all parties to uphold the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement that ended the five-year conflict, which claimed 400,000 lives.
Machar’s party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army – In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), confirmed his detention on Wednesday, stating he was placed under house arrest alongside his wife. Opposition spokesperson Pal Mai Deng warned that Machar’s life was “at risk,” while another official described heavily armed security forces arriving in 20 vehicles, disarming his bodyguards, and delivering an unclear arrest warrant.
The arrest follows escalating tensions between Machar’s forces and President Salva Kiir’s government. The situation worsened in March when the White Army, an armed group loyal to Machar, attacked a South Sudanese army base in Upper Nile state and targeted a UN helicopter. In response, government forces launched airstrikes in the region, warning civilians to leave or “face consequences.” More than a dozen people have reportedly died since the airstrikes began.
UN envoy Nicholas Haysom called on leaders to prevent a relapse into widespread conflict, urging restraint and adherence to the peace deal. The U.S. State Department’s African Affairs bureau also urged Kiir’s government to lift Machar’s house arrest and prevent further escalation.
The deteriorating security situation has led Germany and Norway to temporarily close their embassies in Juba, while the U.S. has further reduced its staff and warned American citizens to prepare for potential shelter-in-place orders. The UK also announced limited consular services.
With South Sudan teetering on the brink of renewed conflict, international pressure is mounting for its leaders to prioritize peace and stability.
