South Sudan opposition forces just declared their peace deal dead after President Kiir locked up their leader. The military grabbed Dr. Riek Machar Wednesday night around 9:46 PM, according to SPLA-IO deputy chairman Oyet Nathaniel Pierino. Security agents from multiple forces stormed into Machar's home under direct orders from President Salva Kiir. They placed both Machar and his wife, Angelina Teny, under house arrest right in Juba.
The security teams also arrested all of Machar's bodyguards and protection staff and moved them to different locations across the city. The 2018 peace agreement, called R-ARCSS, that both leaders signed, has completely fallen apart. Oyet claims this arrest destroys any chance for lasting stability in the struggling nation.
The opposition blames President Kiir directly for breaking promises. They see these actions as proof he never wanted real peace or national stability. The crisis grows even worse as military attacks happen against opposition forces. Government troops target opposition camps at Wunliet, Aswa, and Rejaf using both air strikes and ground attacks. These battles broke the cease-fire rules from their 2017 agreement.
Pierino asked for help from regional partners, including IGAD member states, the African Union, C5 nations, and United Nations officials. He wants these international groups to save what remains of the peace process. The opposition demands Machar's immediate release and protection during this dangerous period. The political situation appears extremely volatile as fighting increases across South Sudan.
The security teams also arrested all of Machar's bodyguards and protection staff and moved them to different locations across the city. The 2018 peace agreement, called R-ARCSS, that both leaders signed, has completely fallen apart. Oyet claims this arrest destroys any chance for lasting stability in the struggling nation.
The opposition blames President Kiir directly for breaking promises. They see these actions as proof he never wanted real peace or national stability. The crisis grows even worse as military attacks happen against opposition forces. Government troops target opposition camps at Wunliet, Aswa, and Rejaf using both air strikes and ground attacks. These battles broke the cease-fire rules from their 2017 agreement.
Pierino asked for help from regional partners, including IGAD member states, the African Union, C5 nations, and United Nations officials. He wants these international groups to save what remains of the peace process. The opposition demands Machar's immediate release and protection during this dangerous period. The political situation appears extremely volatile as fighting increases across South Sudan.
