Fears that South Sudan - the world's youngest nation - could plunge into a new civil war have intensified after the party of suspended Vice-President Riek Machar called for regime change. The call came after Machar - currently under house arrest - was charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.
Machar's party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO), has denounced the charges as a political witch-hunt aimed at dismantling a 2018 peace accord that ended a five-year civil war. Meanwhile, extra troops from neighboring Uganda have been deployed to South Sudan's capital, Juba, as tensions escalate.
The latest crisis comes as a UN report has accused South Sudanese officials of stealing billions of dollars in oil revenues, aggravating the country's dire economic situation.
What's the background?
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but has hardly seen peace since, plummeting into a civil war in 2013 following a rift between Machar and President Salva Kiir.
The conflict, largely ethnic in nature, has led to around 400,000 deaths and millions displaced. Despite Machar's reinstatement as vice-president in a unity government formed post-conflict, many critical elements of the peace deal remain unfulfilled.
Why is there tension now?
The tension flared when the White Army militia, which supported Machar during the earlier civil wars, clashed with the army. Following this, Machar and several associates were placed under house arrest amid accusations of inciting rebellion.
In September, Machar was slapped with treason charges, prompting his party to demand regime change, urging supporters to take up arms to reclaim sovereignty, although mobilization reports remain scant.
What about the 2018 peace deal?
The 2018 peace agreement was supposed to bring stability but failed to address essential security arrangements or establish a unified national army. The lack of progress on crucial governance issues has left lingering unrest.
How has corruption affected the situation?
A report has highlighted rampant corruption among South Sudan's political elite, suggesting that misappropriation of oil revenues has devastated the country's social structures.
What is the problem between Machar and Kiir?
Long-standing ethnic tensions and personal rivalries between Machar and Kiir complicate the political landscape. The absence of crucial elections further exacerbates the potential for conflict.
How bad could things get?
With international observers warning of the impending violence and increased military presence, the fear is that South Sudan may revert to full-scale war amidst fragile political dynamics.
