Riek Machar, the First Vice-President of South Sudan, has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, raising concerns about the potential for renewed civil conflict in the country. Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech stated that the charges are linked to a militia attack that occurred in March, which is said to involve individuals associated with Machar.
In response to the situation, military forces have established a presence around Machar’s home in Juba, blocking access to roads leading to the residence. Machar’s loyalty groups had previously engaged in a lengthy civil war against supporters of President Salva Kiir, which lasted for five years until the conclusion of a peace agreement in 2018.
Since March, Machar has been under house arrest, and various international bodies, including the United Nations, the African Union, and neighboring countries, have urged restraint in light of the escalating tensions. Although the 2018 peace deal concluded a conflict that resulted in nearly 400,000 fatalities, the relationship between Machar and Kiir has reportedly deteriorated further amid ongoing ethnic strife and intermittent violence.
As South Sudan grapples with these developments, the implications of Machar’s charges and the existing political climate raise questions about the future stability of the nation.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07vkln2ezro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss