Peace in South Sudan, a Nation U.S. Helped Build, Is Unraveling

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is facing a perilous crossroads as internal political strife threatens to plunge it back into civil war. After years of tentative progress toward stability, a contentious succession battle is pushing the country to the brink of renewed conflict.

The Roots of the Crisis

The tension centers on the rivalry between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, both former rebel leaders from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Their longstanding discord has been marked by deep-seated ethnic divisions—Kiir hails from the Dinka ethnic group, while Machar is from the Nuer. This rivalry has historically undermined efforts toward national unity and peace.

In March 2025, the situation escalated when the White Army, a militia loyal to Machar, overran a military base in Nasir County, Upper Nile state. The government’s response included aerial bombardments on civilian areas, leading to significant casualties and displacement of thousands. The United Nations reported that at least 63,000 people fled the area due to the violence. (ungeneva.org)

International Concerns and Diplomatic Efforts

The international community has expressed grave concern over the escalating violence. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged global leaders to unite in preventing South Sudan from descending into another civil war, emphasizing the urgency of a coordinated response. (latimes.com)

Regional actors have also been involved. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni visited South Sudan amid the political crisis, signaling Uganda’s continued support for Kiir’s government. However, this intervention has been met with criticism, particularly from Machar’s party, which views it as a violation of the arms embargo. (reuters.com)

The Humanitarian Impact

The renewed violence has had a devastating impact on civilians. The United Nations Office at Geneva reported that indiscriminate attacks on civilians have resulted in significant casualties and injuries, especially burns, including to women and children. (ungeneva.org)

Furthermore, the United States has revoked all visas for South Sudanese nationals, citing the government’s failure to repatriate its citizens promptly. This move could force individuals to return to a country teetering on the edge of renewed civil war. (apnews.com)

The Path Forward

To avert a full-scale conflict, it is imperative for South Sudan’s leaders to recommit to the 2018 peace agreement, adhere to the ceasefire, and engage in dialogue to resolve their differences. The international community must continue to support these efforts, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten and that the people of South Sudan can look forward to a peaceful and prosperous future.

As the situation develops, it remains crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize peace and stability, working collaboratively to prevent the recurrence of the horrors that have previously ravaged the nation.