South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar was reportedly placed under house arrest in Juba on Wednesday night, sparking international concern over the stability of the world's youngest nation. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) urgently called for restraint while confirming growing political tensions across the country.
Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, emphasized the need to preserve peace efforts in a late-night statement: "All parties must exercise restraint and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement." The 2018 agreement ended five years of civil war that claimed nearly 400,000 lives and established Machar's power-sharing role.
The detention comes amid escalating friction between factions supporting Machar and President Salva Kiir. Analysts warn this development could jeopardize South Sudan's fragile transitional government, operational since 2020, which has struggled to implement key reforms ahead of scheduled 2024 elections.
Global markets are monitoring potential impacts on Africa's third-largest oil reserves, with South Sudan producing 170,000 barrels daily. Regional security experts note increased military movements around Juba, while humanitarian agencies brace for possible displacement amid rainy season challenges.
