Description: South Sudan’s military and militants from the White Army militia have escalated armed fighting, raising concerns of a possible reignition of a civil war. Tensions erupted in Mar when White Army militants attacked a military barracks in Nasir as the government pinned the responsibility for the attack on the First Vice – President Riek Machar who was later imprisoned alongside other members of his SPLM – IO party. Mediators from several African countries were involved in dousing the political tensions unsuccessfully as the fighting so far has internally displaced around 65 thousand people and caused a migration crisis with 100 thousand people fleeing towards neighboring countries. Army spokesperson General Lul Ruai Koang has refused to comment, only stating that the military was heavily involved in ongoing operations across the entire territory of the country.
Impact: Government forces in South Sudan have repeatedly clashed with the White Army militia for over three months which indicates on expansion of violence and incites a widespread security and humanitarian crises. The failed mediating attempts signal on crucial unsurmountable divisions which are plunging the country towards a renewed civil war. The strained capacities of the international aid and humanitarian organizations would significantly impact the spiraling migrant and humanitarian situation which would be catalyzed by continuous armed confrontation between military forces and opposing militias. No substantial information on foreign involvement has so far been published despite the failed mediation attempts by the African council of nations which elevates the risk of increased confrontations destabilizing the country and causing further political and militant divisions.