The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has raised concerns following reports of the detention of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar. In an official statement, UNMISS urged all parties to exercise restraint, cease hostilities, and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement to protect the interests of the South Sudanese people.

Dr. Machar’s party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), has declared that his detention effectively nullifies the peace agreement that ended the country’s 2013-2018 civil war. The development has heightened fears of a potential return to large-scale conflict.

The international community, including the United States and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has called on President Salva Kiir to release Dr. Machar and other detained officials. They warn that the escalating tensions could undermine the fragile peace process and lead to regional instability.

UNMISS continues to advocate for dialogue and full implementation of the peace agreement to prevent further deterioration of the situation.