South Sudan’s main opposition party has reported the arrest of its leader, Riek Machar, amid rising tensions that have prompted the United Nations to call for adherence to the 2018 peace agreement that ended the country’s civil war.

The UN had previously warned that South Sudan was on the brink of renewed conflict following clashes in the north between an armed group allied with Machar and government forces.

Pal Mai Deng, a spokesperson for the opposition, stated in a video address that Machar is currently “in confinement by the government” and his life is “at risk.” Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN mission in South Sudan, echoed these concerns, urging all parties to exercise restraint and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

The civil war in South Sudan lasted five years and resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths. It concluded with a peace agreement in 2018 that established a unity government led by President Salva Kiir and included Machar as one of five vice presidents.

However, tensions between their factions have been escalating recently. In March, violence erupted when the White Army, an armed group loyal to Machar, overran an army base in Upper Nile state and attacked a UN helicopter. The government’s response involved airstrikes, leading to warnings for civilians in affected areas to evacuate or face consequences. Since mid-March, more than a dozen people have reportedly died due to these airstrikes.

Haysom emphasized that South Sudan’s leaders are at a critical juncture: they can either plunge the country back into widespread conflict or work towards peace and recovery as envisioned in the 2018 agreement.

Reports indicate that heavily armed vehicles arrived at Machar’s home during his arrest alongside his wife. Reath Muoch Tang, an official from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army – In Opposition, noted that Machar’s bodyguards were disarmed and an arrest warrant was presented under unclear charges.

In response to these developments, the U.S. State Department urged President Kiir to reverse Machar’s house arrest and prevent further escalation of tensions. Additionally, several countries have taken precautionary measures: Germany and Norway temporarily closed their embassies in Juba; the U.S. Embassy reduced its staff due to security threats; and the British Embassy also limited its consular services.

As tensions continue to rise in South Sudan, international observers remain concerned about the potential for renewed violence if political leaders do not prioritize national stability over personal or factional interests.

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