Machar: Sudan’s escalating conflict poses spillover threat to South Sudan

April 6, 2024 (JUBA) – First Vice President Riek Machar issued a stark warning, expressing concern that the conflict raging in neighbouring Sudan could easily spill over into their nation if not promptly addressed.

During an iftar gathering organized for the Muslim community on April 5, 2024, at his residence, Vice President Machar articulated his apprehensions, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to quell the escalating tensions.

“The repercussions of the conflict in Sudan are far-reaching, impacting not only our economy but also posing significant threats to our security,” Vice President Machar remarked.

He underscored the imperative of achieving peace in Sudan to safeguard the stability of South Sudan. As the leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), Vice President Machar played a pivotal role in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement aimed at resolving South Sudan’s internal conflict.

The negotiations, held in Khartoum, Sudan, were facilitated by Sudan and Uganda, with the backing of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional bloc comprising eight member states. Sudan and Uganda’s involvement as mediators was driven by their close ties and understanding of the regional dynamics.

Vice President Machar voiced concerns that the fragmentation of Sudan’s political leadership due to internal strife could impede the implementation of crucial provisions outlined in the peace agreement. With Sudan preoccupied by its domestic challenges, there’s a risk that key aspects of the accord, particularly those pertaining to security arrangements, could be sidelined.

Machar emphasized that resolving the conflict in Sudan would not only avert the spillover of violence into South Sudan but also provide momentum for the effective implementation of vital provisions within the peace agreement.