Juba, South Sudan — March 27, 2025 — The United States on Thursday called on South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to immediately release First Vice President Riek Machar, who has reportedly been placed under house arrest, as concerns mount over the country's fragile peace and the risk of a return to civil war.
According to Machar's Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) party, South Sudanese security forces, led by the defense minister and the national security chief, stormed Machar’s residence earlier this week and presented an arrest warrant. Machar, along with his wife, is said to be held at their home under tight surveillance.
Reath Muoch Tang, a senior SPLM-IO official, stated that the arrest follows accusations that Machar supported the White Army militia, which recently clashed with government troops in Nasir, Upper Nile State. Machar has denied any involvement with the militia group.
The U.S. Department of State issued a statement expressing deep concern over Machar’s detention and called on President Kiir to uphold the terms of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war between forces loyal to the two leaders.
"The reported house arrest of First Vice President Machar undermines the spirit of the Revitalized Peace Agreement and threatens the stability of South Sudan," the statement read.
The United Nations has also weighed in, warning that the political standoff and rising tensions could push the country back to the brink of civil war. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has urged both parties to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue.
Kiir and Machar have long had a tumultuous relationship, marked by political rivalry and bloody conflict. Though both have been serving in a unity government since 2020 under the peace deal, tensions have persisted, stalling key reforms and security arrangements.
As the situation unfolds, regional and international actors are calling for calm and renewed commitment to peace to prevent further violence in the world’s youngest nation.
