Prosecution of South Sudan's Vice-President Raises Fears of Return to Full-Scale Civil War
The prosecution of suspended Vice-President Riek Machar on charges including murder and treason has sparked fears of a return to full-scale civil war in South Sudan, threatening the fragile peace agreement that ended the country's devastating conflict. According to observers and opposition leaders, the move risks jeopardizing the 2015 peace deal, which brought an end to five years of brutal civil war.
The trial of Machar, who has been accused of crimes related to a rebel militia attack in 2016, began on September 24 at Freedom Hall in Juba. The prosecution's case against Machar is seen as a major escalation in the long-standing feud between President Salva Kiir and Machar, raising concerns about the stability of the region.
According to observers, the prosecution could have far-reaching consequences for the country's fragile peace agreement. "The prosecution of Riek Machar risks jeopardizing the 2015 peace deal," said a senior opposition leader, who wished to remain anonymous. "We fear that this move will plunge the country into full-scale conflict once again."
The peace deal, signed in 2015, brought an end to five years of brutal civil war that left thousands dead and millions displaced. However, tensions between Kiir and Machar have continued to simmer, with both leaders making competing claims for power.
Machar's prosecution is seen as a major escalation in the feud between the two leaders. "This move is a clear attempt by President Kiir to undermine Riek Machar and consolidate his own power," said a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group. "It's a recipe for disaster, and we fear that it will lead to a return to full-scale civil war."
The prosecution of Machar has also raised concerns about the role of the international community in supporting the peace agreement. According to observers, the international community must take a more active role in mediating between Kiir and Machar.
"The international community must step in and help broker a solution to this crisis," said a senior diplomat at the United Nations. "We cannot allow the fragile peace agreement to be undermined by petty squabbles between two leaders."
As the trial of Machar continues, observers are bracing themselves for the worst. "We fear that this move will plunge the country into full-scale conflict once again," said a senior opposition leader. "The international community must take action to prevent this from happening."
In conclusion, the prosecution of suspended Vice-President Riek Machar on charges including murder and treason has sparked fears of a return to full-scale civil war in South Sudan. The move risks jeopardizing the fragile peace agreement that ended the country's devastating conflict, and observers are bracing themselves for the worst.
Attribution:
"The prosecution of Riek Machar risks jeopardizing the 2015 peace deal," said a senior opposition leader.
"This move is a clear attempt by President Kiir to undermine Riek Machar and consolidate his own power," said a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group.
"We fear that this move will lead to a return to full-scale civil war," said a senior diplomat at the United Nations.
Sources:
The Guardian: "Prosecution of South Sudan's vice-president raises fears of return to full-scale civil war"
The Guardian: "South Sudan's Vice-President Prosecution Sparks Fears of New Civil War"
This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.
