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.
His party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO), has denounced the charges as a political witch-hunt to dismantle a 2018 peace accord that ended a five-year civil war.
Meanwhile, extra troops from neighbouring 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, leaving millions of people without essential services and fueling the deadly conflict.
Background of South Sudan
South Sudan, one of the world's poorest countries, gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of struggle led by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) under President Salva Kiir. Just two years into independence, a civil war erupted when Kiir dismissed Machar, accusing him of plotting a coup.
The ensuing conflict, largely fought along ethnic lines, resulted in an estimated 400,000 deaths and 2.5 million people being forced from their homes. As part of the peace deal, Machar was reinstated as vice-president within a unity government meant to pave the way for elections.
Current Tensions
The crisis intensified in March when the White Army militia, previously allied with Machar, clashed with the army. Following clashes and the death of a high-ranking general, Machar and his associates were placed under house arrest.
Now charged with treason, the SPLM-IO urges its supporters to report for national service, raising concerns that conflict might reignite.
Corruption and Governance Issues
The UN reported extensive corruption involving South Sudan's political elite siphoning oil revenues, depriving citizens of crucial services. Despite the peace deal, key aspects remain unimplemented and the political landscape is fraught with mistrust and ongoing ethnic divisions.
Outlook for the Future
The looming trial of Machar could erupt into violence, with fears of a return to full-scale civil war growing amidst ongoing corruption and political stagnation. The situation requires urgent attention from regional leaders to prevent further escalation.
