South Sudan Crisis: Vice President Riek Machar Arrested, Peace Deal at Risk
South Sudan’s fragile peace process is in danger after the dramatic arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, a key opposition leader and signatory of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has urged leaders to remain calm and recommit to peace. Officials warn that the country could slide back into civil war if tensions continue to rise.
How Machar Was Arrested
According to Reath Muoch Tang, head of foreign relations for Machar’s SPLM/A-IO party, a convoy of 20 heavily armed vehicles stormed Machar’s residence in the capital, Juba, late Wednesday night.
“We strongly condemn this unconstitutional action,” Tang said. “His bodyguards were disarmed, and an arrest warrant was delivered under unclear charges. Attempts are being made to relocate him.”
Peace Agreement in Jeopardy
Machar’s arrest comes at a critical time, as tensions between him and President Salva Kiir have been growing. Their power-sharing agreement, which ended a brutal five-year civil war (2013–2018) that killed around 400,000 people, is now at risk of collapse.
UN Issues Warning
UNMISS has urged all parties to avoid conflict and focus on peace.
“South Sudan stands on the brink of either relapsing into war or moving forward towards peace and democracy,” said Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.
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He warned that “unilateral actions” could destroy the peace agreement and urged leaders to resolve disputes through dialogue.
Fighting Breaks Out
Clashes have already erupted between government forces (SSPDF) and Machar’s opposition troops (SPLA-IO) in multiple locations near Juba. Violence has also been reported in Upper Nile State, where airstrikes have allegedly caused civilian casualties.
Regional organizations, including the African Union, IGAD, RJMEC, and the Troika, have launched diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
What Happens Next?
The UN and other international bodies have called on Kiir and Machar to meet and resolve their differences peacefully. UNMISS emphasized that South Sudan’s leaders must prioritize national stability over personal conflicts.
The situation remains tense, and further developments will determine whether South Sudan moves toward peace or returns to war.
South Sudan Crisis: Vice President Riek Machar Arrested, Peace Deal at Risk
