Crisis in South Sudan 🇸🇸 & its Catalysts.

The power struggle between Salva Kiir and Riek Machar has driven South Sudan’s crisis since its 2011 independence. Kiir, a Dinka, and Machar, a Nuer, have fueled ethnic and political tensions. Their rivalry escalated into civil war in 2013 when Kiir sacked Machar as vice-president, sparking violence that killed 400,000 and displaced millions. A 2018 peace deal formed a unity government in 2020, but unimplemented provisions like army unification kept tensions high. In March 2025, Kiir ordered Machar’s arrest for alleged rebellion, nullifying the peace deal and risking renewed conflict. Ethnic divisions, economic collapse from a 2024 oil pipeline burst, and delayed elections worsen the crisis. Machar’s detention has displaced over 50,000, compounding South Sudan’s humanitarian disaster with famine and regional instability looming. The UN and regional powers urge dialogue, but ongoing mistrust threatens further violence.