South Sudan’s Deputy President Riek Machar has warned that a recent Cabinet reshuffle by President Salva Kiir threatens to undermine the fragile 2018 peace agreement. The reshuffle, which saw the dismissal of several key officials, including two other vice presidents, has raised concerns about a potential return to violence.
The 2018 peace agreement, which ended five years of civil war, was a hard-won achievement. However, its implementation has been plagued by numerous challenges, including political infighting, lack of trust between the parties, and the failure to address the root causes of the conflict.
The recent Cabinet reshuffle has further strained relations between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, raising concerns about a potential return to violence. Machar has argued that the dismissals violate the power-sharing agreement and threaten the stability of the unity government.
The international community, including the United Nations and regional partners, has a critical role to play in supporting the implementation of the peace agreement and promoting dialogue and reconciliation among the parties. Addressing the root causes of the conflict, including political grievances, economic inequality, and ethnic divisions, is crucial for achieving lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.