Crisis in South Sudan: Calls for Machar's Release Amid Rising Tensions

The United States urged South Sudan's President Salva Kiir to release First Vice President Riek Machar, reportedly under house arrest, as tensions rise. Machar's arrest follows clashes involving the White Army militia in Nasir. The fragile coalition government faces challenges, risking renewed civil conflict.

The United States has urged South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to release First Vice President Riek Machar from what Machar's party describes as house arrest, as warnings emerge of potential civil war escalation.

Machar's party, SPLM-IO, reported an armed intrusion at Machar's residence by national security forces, sparking concerns Machar is detained due to alleged ties to the White Army militia, which recently clashed with the military in Upper Nile State.

Although a peace deal previously ended a civil war and formed a coalition government between Kiir and Machar's factions, current tensions have disturbed this fragile setup. Kiir is reportedly consolidating power by rallying support and designating allies, while the U.N. and international actors urge for de-escalation to prevent a regional catastrophe.

(With inputs from agencies.)