South Sudan is on the brink of renewed conflict following the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar on March 26, 2025. The development has raised international concerns, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warning that the situation is reminiscent of the past civil wars that claimed around 400,000 lives in 2013 and 2016.

The South Sudanese government has accused Machar of attempting to incite rebellion, alleging that he contacted supporters to disrupt peace efforts and interfere with the upcoming elections. This move effectively undermines the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year war and established a fragile power-sharing arrangement between Machar and President Salva Kiir.

In response to the escalating tensions, Kenyan President William Ruto has sent former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a special envoy to mediate the crisis. His mission aims to restore stability and prevent a further breakdown of the peace process.

The international community has expressed deep concern over the worsening situation. Guterres highlighted that South Sudan is facing multiple crises, including political instability, humanitarian distress, economic collapse, and increasing ethnic and political tensions. The UN Mission in South Sudan is working to engage all parties to prevent further violence and protect civilians.

Machar's opposition party has declared that the peace deal has collapsed, citing a lack of commitment from the government to uphold stability. They have also announced a partial withdrawal from the peace process, suspending their participation in security arrangements.

The ongoing crisis has led to violent clashes, displacing tens of thousands of people and raising fears of a return to full-scale war. The international community continues to call for restraint and urgent dialogue to prevent further escalation.