US Urges South Sudan President to Release Vice President Riek Machar from House Arrest

The United States has called on South Sudan's President, Salva Kiir, to release First Vice President Riek Machar, who has reportedly been placed under house arrest. Machar's party, SPLM-IO (Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition), claims that government forces forcefully entered his residence with an arrest warrant, accusing him of supporting the White Army militia, which recently clashed with the military in Nasir, Upper Nile State.

South Sudan's Vice President Riek Machar speaks at a press conference in Juba, South Sudan, on April 5, 2020, following the country's confirmation of its first coronavirus case.

Escalating Tensions and Civil War Concerns

The arrest comes amid rising political tensions, with the United Nations warning that South Sudan is on the brink of civil war. According to reports, the South Sudanese military has heavily deployed troops around Machar’s residence in Juba, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Shops have closed, and traffic has decreased significantly in the capital.

The White Army, a militia group with historic ties to Machar, was involved in recent violence in Nasir, raising concerns of a potential return to the ethnic-driven conflict that plagued the country from 2013 to 2018. However, Machar's SPLM-IO party denies any current links to the militia.

US and UN Condemn the Arrest

The US Bureau of African Affairs expressed deep concern over Machar's arrest, warning that the situation could escalate further.

"We urge President Kiir to reverse this action and prevent further escalation of the situation," the bureau posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) also issued a statement urging both sides to exercise restraint, warning that the country risks plunging into another widespread conflict that could destabilize the region.

Political Power Struggle

Analysts suggest that President Kiir, who has been in power since 2011, may be seeking to consolidate his authority. His recent moves include rounding up Machar’s senior allies, inviting Uganda’s military to secure the capital, and appointing his adviser, Benjamin Bol Mel, as second vice president.

Bol Mel, a businessman with ties to construction firms accused of money laundering, is on the US sanctions list. Political observers believe Kiir may be positioning Bol Mel as his successor, further fueling speculation of a power grab.

A Fragile Peace at Risk

South Sudan’s civil war, which ended in 2018 with a fragile peace agreement, left hundreds of thousands dead and displaced millions. The current political turmoil threatens to unravel the hard-won peace, further destabilizing the nation.

The international community continues to call for de-escalation, urging South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize peace and stability over political rivalry. However, with rising violence, ethnic divisions, and unresolved grievances, the risk of a return to full-scale conflict looms large.