Story perspectives

South Sudan Teeters on Civil War Amid Power Struggles

2/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Analysts warn South Sudan is sliding toward civil war as power struggles between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar escalate.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission condemned remarks encouraging potential war crimes.
Renewed clashes have displaced over 180,000 people.
Sixty percent of Jonglei's population faces crisis-level hunger.
A UN report accused Uganda of violating an arms embargo by sending troops and equipment into South Sudan.

History

Historical Context

The South Sudanese Civil War erupted in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir dismissed Vice President Riek Machar, igniting long-standing ethnic tensions between the Dinka and Nuer groups. By 2018, the conflict had resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and displaced over 4 million people. Ongoing power struggles threaten regional stability and highlight the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis.

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Story summary

Analysts warn South Sudan is sliding toward civil war as power struggles between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar escalate.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission condemned remarks encouraging potential war crimes.
Renewed clashes have displaced over 180,000 people.
Sixty percent of Jonglei's population faces crisis-level hunger.
A UN report accused Uganda of violating an arms embargo by sending troops and equipment into South Sudan.

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