SOUTH SUDAN: Urges South Sudan To Release Machar And Other Political Detainees

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

The United Kingdom on Wednesday, emphasized the need for the release of South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar and other political detainees, cautioning that the current tensions in the country could reignite conflict in the already fragile nation.

Machar, who has had a long-standing rivalry with President Salva Kiir, has been under house arrest since March 26. The peace agreement reached in 2018 between the two leaders remains tenuous, marked by slow implementation and frequent cease-fire breaches.

South Sudan has yet to conduct a presidential election and has postponed its next vote until December 2026.

During a press conference in Juba, British Ambassador to South Sudan David Ashley reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting collaborative international efforts led by IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations to facilitate dialogue between the leaders.

“We strongly advocate for a return to negotiations and a de-escalation of tensions, which must include an immediate cease-fire and the release of political detainees held by the National Security Service (NSS), including the First Vice President,” stated Ambassador Ashley.

The ambassador highlighted the significant daily struggles faced by the South Sudanese people, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, climate change, and persistent violence.

“Establishing peace is essential for development. Neither South Sudan nor the broader region can afford the consequences of further conflict. We express our concern over the repeated cease-fire violations since February, including the recent bombing of the MSF hospital in Old Fangak on May 3,” he added.

The United Kingdom continues to be a leading donor in South Sudan, providing critical humanitarian and development assistance.