Key Points:

• South Sudan is on the brink of renewed civil war as substantial tensions rise between rival factions.
• The UN warns that mistrust between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar hampers peace efforts.
• Over 63,000 people have been displaced due to violent clashes since February, with alarming reports of civilian attacks.
• International community urges both leaders to prioritize peace and adhere to the 2018 peace agreement.

South Sudan is facing a precarious escalation of violence that threatens to plunge the nation back into civil war, as highlighted by the UN's top official, Nicolas Haysom. He described the situation as "dire" following the government's abrupt postponement of crucial peace negotiations, which were supposed to stabilize the nation after years of conflict. The UN has emphasized that only genuine cooperation from President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar can pave the way for a successful resolution, urging them to prioritize the welfare of their citizens over personal political interests.

Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has been riddled with violence and conflict, descending into a civil war in December 2013. This tumultuous period was fueled largely by ethnic divisions—forces loyal to Kiir, primarily from the Dinka community, clashed with Machar's Nuer fighters. Over 40,000 lives were lost before a peace deal in 2018 initiated a government of national unity and aimed to restore peace.

However, this fragile tranquility appears threatened as tensions flared in recent months, with a specific increase in violence attributed to clashes in regions like Nasir County. The White Army, a militia group aligning with Machar, has been implicated in the takeover of military sites, worsening the already strained relations. Following these incidents, there have been alarming reports of government airstrikes targeting civilians, reportedly resulting in further displacements and significant injuries among the populace.

The UN's peacekeeping mission has reported that at least 63,000 people have been displaced since February, indicating the dire humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict. "These indiscriminate attacks on civilians are causing significant casualties and horrific injuries, especially burns," warned Haysom, reflecting on the deteriorating situation.

As the country approaches its postponed elections, initially set for 2023 but now delayed to 2026, the rivalry between Kiir and Machar has intensified. The continuous political maneuvering, characterized by the military buildup and arrest of opposition figures affiliated with Machar, furthers the distrust between the two leaders.

In light of the prevailing conditions, the UN mission is engaging in "intense shuttle diplomacy" to encourage dialogue and adherence to the 2018 peace agreement. "Rampant misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech is also ratcheting up tensions and driving ethnic divisions," Haysom observed, reiterating the urgent need for both leaders to resolve their differences amicably. To read more about the escalating crisis, check the full report by South China Morning Post, TRT Global, Al Jazeera, and Africanews.