President Kiir and his South Sudan government claim Dr. Riek Machar planned a rebellion to create chaos. Information Minister Michael Makuei announced Friday that spy reports show Machar has contacted SPLA-IO forces since March 2025. These messages urged rebellion against the government. Makuei stated that Machar wanted to block upcoming elections and push South Sudan back into war.
The government directly blames Machar for the White Army militia attack on government troops in Nasir, Upper Nile State. This assault killed Commander Majur Dak and scattered government soldiers. Officials say SPLA-IO kept gathering fighters and spreading tribal hatred, claiming to defend Naath land. They accuse Machar of ordering unified forces to attack their SSPDF colleagues at multiple bases on March 25, including Tonga, Nyaluak, Wunkur, Wathlel, and Rajaf.
Makuei added that Machar told SPLA-IO members at training centers to leave their posts on March 26. During this period, several SPLA-IO leaders vanished: General Yiey Dak, General Wesley Welebe, Minister Pal Mai Deng, and First Deputy Speaker Nathaniel Oyet. President Kiir ordered that Machar be placed under house arrest that same day to prevent further attacks and save the 2018 peace agreement.
International pressure mounts for Machar's release. UN Secretary-General António Guterres asked Kiir Friday to free Machar and restore the unity government. African Union Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf plans to send the AU Panel of the Wise, led by retired Justice Effie Owuor from Kenya. President Ruto sent former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to help after talking with leaders from Uganda and Ethiopia. Several Western nations called for Machar's release on Thursday.
The situation worsened Thursday as IGAD expressed alarm about Machar's arrest, saying it harms the fragile 2018 peace deal. Security concerns forced Germany and Norway to close their embassies in Juba. The United States and the United Kingdom reduced staff numbers as tensions rose throughout the country. Many fear these events could restart broader conflict if not resolved through diplomatic means.
The government directly blames Machar for the White Army militia attack on government troops in Nasir, Upper Nile State. This assault killed Commander Majur Dak and scattered government soldiers. Officials say SPLA-IO kept gathering fighters and spreading tribal hatred, claiming to defend Naath land. They accuse Machar of ordering unified forces to attack their SSPDF colleagues at multiple bases on March 25, including Tonga, Nyaluak, Wunkur, Wathlel, and Rajaf.
Makuei added that Machar told SPLA-IO members at training centers to leave their posts on March 26. During this period, several SPLA-IO leaders vanished: General Yiey Dak, General Wesley Welebe, Minister Pal Mai Deng, and First Deputy Speaker Nathaniel Oyet. President Kiir ordered that Machar be placed under house arrest that same day to prevent further attacks and save the 2018 peace agreement.
International pressure mounts for Machar's release. UN Secretary-General António Guterres asked Kiir Friday to free Machar and restore the unity government. African Union Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf plans to send the AU Panel of the Wise, led by retired Justice Effie Owuor from Kenya. President Ruto sent former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to help after talking with leaders from Uganda and Ethiopia. Several Western nations called for Machar's release on Thursday.
The situation worsened Thursday as IGAD expressed alarm about Machar's arrest, saying it harms the fragile 2018 peace deal. Security concerns forced Germany and Norway to close their embassies in Juba. The United States and the United Kingdom reduced staff numbers as tensions rose throughout the country. Many fear these events could restart broader conflict if not resolved through diplomatic means.
