South Sudan is on the brink of renewed conflict as tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar escalate. Last week, Kiir ordered the arrest of key Machar allies, including military officials and ministers. Soldiers also surrounded the vice president’s home, effectively placing him under house arrest. The crackdown follows deadly clashes in Upper Nile, allegedly sparked by reports of an imminent forced disarmament operation. The 2018 peace deal that ended a five-year civil war between the two leaders is now in jeopardy. Analysts warn that the country could devolve into a full-blown conflict if the situation is not resolved soon. Meanwhile, international leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto, have called for restraint and dialogue between Kiir and Machar.
Source: Aljazeera