VP Machar allegedly arrested as UN calls for ceasefire in South Sudan

South Sudanese people sit outside a nutrition clinic at a transit center in Renk, South Sudan. [AP]

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent dialogue among the country's leaders to ease tensions and restore calm.  

The appeal follows reports of escalating violence involving the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).  

In the past 24 hours, clashes were reported near Rejaf, south of Juba, and at Wunaliet, west of the capital.  

“To prevent a relapse into civil war, the Parties must recommit to the Revitalized Peace Agreement by ceasing all hostilities and strictly adhering to the ceasefire, resolving grievances through dialogue, and reconvening as a truly unified government,” said Nicholas Haysom, Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.  

“We encourage the President and First Vice President to lead efforts to prevent further military confrontation and restore calm by meeting to resolve differences and making a joint public statement reassuring all South Sudanese of their shared commitment to peace,” he added.  

Haysom noted that the situation in Upper Nile remains volatile, with reports of further mobilization of armed forces and aerial bombardment of civilian areas.  

Witnesses claim that devices containing a highly flammable liquid were used, reportedly causing significant casualties and severe injuries.  

Meanwhile, tensions have intensified following reports that Vice President Riek Machar has been arrested, sparking further unrest.  

According to Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLM/IO) party, a convoy of 20 heavily armed vehicles “forcefully entered” the first vice president’s residence in Juba and disarmed his bodyguards on Wednesday.  

In response to the deteriorating security situation, the U.S. Embassy in South Sudan announced a reduction of its personnel as a precautionary measure. UNMISS continues to intensify diplomatic efforts to mediate peace.