South Sudan’s government has confirmed the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, accusing him of attempting to incite rebellion. The move, announced Friday, has raised international concerns over a potential return to civil war.
Machar—longtime rival of President Salva Kiir—was reportedly detained on Wednesday, prompting urgent diplomatic intervention. Kenya dispatched former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to mediate, while Machar’s party warned that his arrest effectively nullifies the 2018 peace agreement that ended years of bloody conflict.
Government spokesperson and Information Minister Michael Makuei stated that Machar and other detained members of the SPLM/A-IO would face investigation and prosecution. “He has been contacting his supporters, urging them to rebel, aiming to destabilize peace and prevent elections,” Makuei alleged.
Machar’s party has yet to respond to the latest accusations. It previously denied any links to the White Army—a Nuer militia that clashed with government forces in Nasir earlier this month, sparking the current crisis. Following the violence, Kiir’s government arrested several of Machar’s key allies, including the petroleum minister and a senior army commander.
Rising Tensions and International Concern
Recent clashes between rival forces near Juba and other areas have heightened fears of an escalating conflict.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned that South Sudan’s fragile peace process is unraveling. “We cannot ignore the echoes of the 2013 and 2016 civil wars, which claimed 400,000 lives,” he cautioned.
Kenyan President William Ruto, who chairs the East African Community, said he had spoken with Kiir about Machar’s detention. Meanwhile, Odinga met with Kiir on Friday and later traveled to Uganda for talks with President Yoweri Museveni.
Western nations, including the U.S., U.K., and Germany, have responded by scaling back diplomatic operations in South Sudan. Uganda has already deployed troops at Kiir’s request to help secure Juba, while Ethiopia—historically involved in peace efforts—is closely monitoring developments.
Political Maneuvering?
Analysts suggest Kiir is consolidating power by sidelining Machar’s key allies and appointing close confidants, including naming Benjamin Bol Mel as second vice president.
“Blaming Machar for White Army clashes distracts from Juba’s real crisis—dwindling oil revenues and Kiir’s controversial succession plan,” said Justin Lynch, managing director of Conflict Insights Group.
With tensions rising and international pressure mounting, the fate of South Sudan’s fragile peace remains uncertain.