South Sudan’s First Vice-President, Riek Machar, has called on President Salva Kiir to address escalating tensions and a worsening security situation in several regions, including Upper Nile, Western Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal states.
In a letter dated 27 February 2025, Mr Machar emphasised the urgent need for dialogue to prevent further violence and instability. He specifically requested a meeting with President Kiir to discuss the deteriorating security conditions, particularly in Upper Nile and Western Equatoria.
“I am writing to request again for an audience with Your Excellency to discuss the deteriorating security situation in Upper Nile and Western Equatoria states, in particular,” Mr Machar wrote. “On 20 February 2025, I wrote to Your Excellency to discuss the replacement of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Nasir town, which has become a flashpoint recently.”
Mr Machar warned that the violations in these states are severe enough to warrant intervention from the guarantors of the 2018 peace agreement.
“The violations in these states are so serious that I am prompted to raise these issues with the guarantors so that they can intervene and suggest amicable solutions to break the deadlock,” he added.
Violence in Upper Nile
The security situation in Upper Nile State has been particularly volatile since mid-February, following clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army in Nasir County. The fighting, which occurred on the outskirts of Nasir town, left five people dead and several others injured, forcing many residents to flee.
Tensions escalated further after the government decided to deploy new forces to Nasir, including SSPDF troops and elements of the Agwelek militia group led by General Johnson Olony.
The move has sparked fears among locals that the incoming forces may target civilians or initiate a disarmament campaign. The local community has rejected the deployment, calling instead for the deployment of the Necessary Unified Force as outlined in the 2018 peace agreement.
Unrest in Western Equatoria
In Western Equatoria, tensions flared after President Kiir dismissed Alfred Futuyo Karaba, the SPLM-IO-nominated governor, on 10 February. Following his removal, forces allegedly linked to the SSPDF attacked Mr Karaba’s residence in Yambio, forcing him to flee to an unknown location.
The incident has triggered a wave of violent attacks targeting SPLM-IO members and their properties, exacerbating ethnic tensions.
Attacks in Western Bahr el Ghazal
In Western Bahr el Ghazal, a combined force of the SSPDF and the National Security Service has allegedly launched attacks on villages in Jur River County on January 15, displacing civilians and detaining local leaders. The SPLM-IO believes these actions are part of a broader campaign by the SSPDF and President Kiir’s group to dismantle its strongholds in the state.
Peace agreement at Risk
Mr Machar expressed deep concern over what he described as “systematic violations” of the 2018 peace agreement, warning that these actions threaten to reverse progress made in its implementation.
He noted that he is still awaiting a response from President Kiir regarding several pending appointments, including the replacement of Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba, who was dismissed by President Kiir on 10 February.
Mr Machar urged the president to act on these requests, some of which date back to October 2024.
President Kiir and Riek Machar are key partners in a fragile peace agreement signed in 2018, which is facing significant challenges, particularly in unifying armed groups to form a national army.