Tensions are escalating in South Sudan as opposition leaders accuse government forces of attacking a military base near the capital, Juba. The United States has voiced deep concern over the renewed clashes between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, warning that the fragile peace deal is at risk of collapse.
Escalating Conflict Near Juba
On Monday night, Machar’s party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), reported that its cantonment site in Wunaliet—approximately 15 kilometers (nine miles) from Juba—was bombarded.
“This provocative action is a violation of the 2018 peace agreement,” an SPLM-IO spokesperson stated, condemning the attack.
The government has not confirmed the offensive, but local media reports suggest that heavy shelling took place. Earlier on Monday, a spokesperson for the Kiir-aligned army, Lul Ruai Koang, claimed that opposition forces were increasing their movements and had deployed patrols in a “clear military formation.”
Peace Agreement on the Brink
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, gained independence in 2011 but quickly descended into a brutal five-year civil war between Kiir and Machar. The conflict, which claimed approximately 400,000 lives, ended in 2018 with a power-sharing deal that formed a unity government.
However, the agreement is now under immense strain as violence surges in various regions. The most intense clashes have occurred in Nasir County, located in the northeastern Upper Nile State.
Airstrikes and Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has condemned recent government airstrikes targeting rebel-controlled areas. UNMISS chief Nicholas Haysom stated on Monday that South Sudan’s military used bombs with highly flammable accelerants, resulting in severe civilian casualties.
“These indiscriminate attacks on civilians are causing significant casualties and horrific injuries, especially burns,” Haysom said. He also noted that the conflict has displaced an estimated 63,000 people.
Political Tensions and Power Struggles
Observers say Kiir has been working to sideline Machar as he prepares for succession. Recently, Kiir appointed new cabinet members without consulting Machar. Last week, he dismissed Upper Nile State Governor, who was allied with Machar, and replaced him with one of his own loyalists.
Since February, Machar’s party claims that at least 22 political and military members, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam, have been detained. The arrests have fueled fears of further instability.
International Response and U.S. Concerns
On Monday, the U.S. State Department issued a statement urging both leaders to engage in direct dialogue to prevent further violence.
“Non-state militia attacks, government-backed airstrikes, and promotion of sanctioned officials to high office are deeply concerning,” the statement said.
International organizations warn that the escalating violence could push South Sudan toward another civil war, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
South Sudan’s Growing Humanitarian Crisis
Beyond the conflict, South Sudan is grappling with a worsening public health crisis. UNICEF reported on Monday that the country is experiencing its worst cholera outbreak since gaining independence. Nearly 700 people, including many children, have died in the past six months due to the disease.
As violence intensifies and humanitarian conditions deteriorate, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and prevent another large-scale conflict in South Sudan
