African Union mediators arrived in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Wednesday, aiming to prevent the collapse of a fragile peace deal. Their visit follows last week’s controversial house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, heightening fears of a new civil war.
Machar, a former rebel leader during the country’s brutal 2013-2018 conflict, is accused by President Salva Kiir’s government of plotting a new rebellion. The arrest comes after escalating violence in Upper Nile, where fighting between the military and the White Army militia has intensified. Though Machar’s forces were once allied with the militia, they deny any current involvement.
The AU delegation, which includes former Burundian President Domitien Ndayizeye and former Kenyan judge Effie Owuor, arrived at Juba’s airport on Wednesday. They are part of a broader effort to ease tensions and restore peace. Machar’s party, the SPLM-IO, expressed support for the mediators’ visit, welcoming their role in de-escalating the crisis.
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has called for Machar’s “immediate and unconditional release,” warning that recent events jeopardize the 2018 peace agreement. Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga had arrived in Juba earlier this week to mediate between the opposing factions, though he was unable to meet with Machar.
Analysts suggest Kiir, 73, may be strengthening his political position amid internal unrest and regional instability exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The previous war had been driven largely by ethnic divisions, with Kiir’s Dinka supporters clashing with Machar’s Nuer-backed forces.