Juba, South Sudan – South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar has been arrested and will be investigated on charges of attempting to incite rebellion, the government confirmed on Friday. The move has raised concerns among international powers that fear renewed conflict in the country.
Machar, a long-time political rival of President Salva Kiir, was detained on Wednesday, triggering widespread calls for restraint from global leaders. In response to the crisis, Kenya dispatched former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to mediate and prevent further escalation.
According to a statement by government spokesperson and Information Minister Michael Makuei, Machar and members of his party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), were arrested for allegedly conspiring to disrupt peace and derail upcoming elections.
“Machar and his anti-peace colleagues, who are under arrest, will be investigated and brought to book accordingly,” Makuei said.
He accused the vice president of rallying his supporters to rebel against the government, aiming to prevent elections and plunge South Sudan back into war.
Despite the arrest, the government insists that the 2018 peace agreement—signed to end the country’s five-year civil war—remains intact. “The Peace Agreement has not collapsed and shall not under any circumstances,” Makuei affirmed.
Machar’s party has yet to respond to the accusations. However, earlier this week, the SPLM/A-IO claimed that his detention effectively nullified the peace deal. The party has also denied allegations of backing the White Army, a Nuer ethnic militia, which clashed with government forces in Nasir earlier this month, igniting fresh tensions.
In reaction to the recent fighting, President Kiir’s forces have arrested several high-profile allies of Machar, including the petroleum minister and the deputy army chief. Clashes between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar have been reported in several locations, including areas outside the capital, Juba.
The situation remains tense as the international community closely monitors developments, with fears that the country may be on the brink of another devastating conflict.
