Natalie Nyathi
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is facing renewed accusations of ethnic bias and authoritarianism as political tensions escalate between the ruling party and the opposition. The core of the issue lies in the recent charges against First Vice President Riek Machar, which his party, the SPLM-IO, claims are part of a broader agenda to consolidate power under a “one-tribe rule.”
The SPLM-IO has accused President Salva Kiir’s government of fabricating criminal charges against Machar, including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. These charges stem from Machar’s alleged involvement in attacks by the “White Army,” a Nuer ethnic militia, against federal forces in March 2025. The government claims that Machar ordered the attack on a military base in Nasir, resulting in the deaths of over 250 soldiers.
In response, Machar’s party has refuted these accusations, arguing that the vice president is the victim of an “ethno-political purge.” They claim the government is attempting to enforce “authoritarian control and one-tribe rule,” sidelining Machar and the SPLM-IO to entrench its dominance. This has led to President Kiir suspending Machar from his position.
South Sudan has a long history of ethnic divisions and conflict. The country is home to 64 tribes, with the Dinka being the largest, comprising about 35% of the population, and the Nuer being the second-largest. President Kiir is a member of the Dinka ethnic group, while Riek Machar is Nuer.
These ethnic divisions have been a major factor in the country’s political instability and violence. The perception of Dinka dominance within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the army (SPLA) has long been a point of contention. Some accuse a Dinka lobbying group, the “Jieng Council of Elders,” of influencing hardline SPLM policies.
The rivalry between Kiir and Machar has fueled much of the conflict. In December 2013, political infighting between the two leaders erupted into a civil war that lasted until 2018, resulting in an estimated 400,000 deaths and displacing millions. The conflict saw the mobilization of ethnic militias, with Kiir’s Dinka group and Machar’s Nuer group accused of attacking each other’s communities.
The 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was signed to end the civil war and establish a unity government. Under the agreement, Kiir remained President, and Machar returned as First Vice President. However, the implementation of the peace agreement has been slow and fraught with challenges.
The agreement aimed to unite the armies under a single unit, write a new constitution, prepare for general elections, organize a census, and disarm all other armed groups. However, these reforms have not been fully instituted, and violence has continued in parts of the country.
The recent charges against Machar and his subsequent suspension have further strained the peace agreement, raising fears of a return to civil war. International powers and regional mediators have called for Machar’s release, arguing that his detention violates the spirit of the 2018 peace agreement.
The current political climate in South Sudan is raising several concerns, including the risk of renewed conflict, undermining the peace process, authoritarian drift, and human rights violations. The accusations against Machar and the perceived marginalization of the Nuer ethnic group could reignite ethnic tensions and lead to further violence.
Addressing the challenges in South Sudan requires a multi-faceted approach. Ensuring fair representation and power-sharing among all ethnic groups is crucial to prevent marginalization and foster stability. Full implementation of the 2018 R-ARCSS is essential to address the root causes of the conflict and establish a lasting peace. Promoting dialogue and reconciliation between different ethnic groups can help to heal past wounds and build trust. Integrating the various armed forces into a unified national army is necessary to prevent future conflicts.
The current situation in South Sudan is precarious. Whether the country can overcome its deep-seated ethnic divisions and avoid a return to conflict depends on the willingness of its leaders to embrace inclusivity, implement the peace agreement, and prioritize the well-being of all its citizens.