UN Tells South Sudan: Free Machar Now or Risk War

The United Nations is very worried about what is happening in South Sudan. On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the situation is getting worse, especially after the arrest of the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar.

Machar was put under house arrest by security forces loyal to President Salva Kiir. These two leaders have had a long history of conflict, even though they signed a peace deal in 2018 to share power. That deal now seems to be falling apart.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said this arrest could push the country back into civil war. He warned that the peace agreement is at serious risk of falling apart.

“The leaders must put the people first,” Dujarric said. He asked South Sudan's leaders to talk through their issues and focus on keeping peace in the country.

The UN also said the country is already struggling. Around 9.3 million people need help because of problems like fighting, climate change, and the poor economy. Dujarric stressed that another civil war would be a disaster for these people.

South Sudan became an independent country in 2011, but peace has been hard to keep. The UN wants the government to bring back the peace agreement and give Machar his freedom.