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4w ago

South Sudan's Vice President Riek Machar Arrested, Heightening Conflict Risks

Machar's detention in Juba follows escalating clashes and displacement, with fears of a return to civil war growing.

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South Sudan's Vice President Riek Machar addresses a news conference, as the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in the country, in Juba, South Sudan April 5, 2020. REUTERS/Samir Bol/File Photo
FILE - South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, right, and Vice President Riek Machar, left, attend a Holy Mass led by Pope Francis at the John Garang Mausoleum in Juba, South Sudan Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File)
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Overview

  • Riek Machar, South Sudan's First Vice President, was arrested in Juba by heavily armed forces, according to his party, SPLM-IO.
  • The charges against Machar remain unclear, with his party condemning the arrest as unconstitutional.
  • The United Nations warned that the arrest could push South Sudan back into widespread conflict, urging restraint from all parties.
  • Clashes between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Machar have intensified, displacing 50,000 people in Upper Nile State since last month.
  • Foreign governments, including Norway and Germany, have temporarily closed their embassies in South Sudan due to the deteriorating security situation.