The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan issued a stark warning Saturday, highlighting a “deteriorating” security situation.
Increased violence and political tensions are jeopardizing the nation’s fragile peace process.
This follows the recent arrests of officials allied with Vice President Riek Machar, raising fears of a return to widespread conflict.
President Salva Kiir’s security forces arrested two ministers and senior military officials earlier this month.
The arrests, deemed by the government as actions against those “in conflict with the law,” have ignited concerns about the 2018 peace deal’s survival.
That agreement ended a brutal five-year civil war, which claimed nearly 400,000 lives.
“We are witnessing an alarming regression,” stated Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the U.N. commission.
She urged leaders to “refocus on the peace process” and protect citizens’ human rights.
The arrests coincide with fierce clashes in Nasir, a strategic northern town, between national forces and the White Army militia, predominantly from Machar’s Nuer ethnic group.
The National Security Services announced further arrests of individuals linked to the Nasir conflict.
This follows an attack on a U.N. helicopter in Nasir, resulting in the deaths of a South Sudanese general and soldiers.
Machar’s party denies government accusations of collaboration with the White Army.
The escalating violence and political friction cast a shadow over South Sudan’s path to stability.
