Riek Machar's "entourage" arrested in South Sudan

Riek Machar's "entourage" arrested in South Sudan First, the question of why there is fighting in Sudan at all must be answered.  The conflict in Sudan is complex and has many causes.  Sudan's borders were drawn during the colonial period, bringing together different ethnic and religious groups that were often in conflict with each other. The colonial powers often promoted one group at the expense of others, leading to long-term tensions. Since Sudan's independence in 1956, there have been ongoing power struggles between different political and military groups. The government in Khartoum has often been dominated by a small elite, leading to marginalization and resistance in the peripheral regions. Sudan is a country of great ethnic and religious diversity. The north is predominantly Arab and Muslim, while the south and other regions are dominated by non-Arab, often Christian or animist groups. These differences have led to conflict, particularly in regions such as Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile. There are significant economic inequalities between the different regions of Sudan. The country's resources, such as oil and fertile land, are unevenly distributed, leading to conflicts over access to these resources. The conflict in Darfur, which escalated in 2003, is an example of the complex causes of violence in Sudan. Various rebel groups fought against the government, which then collaborated with militias (Janjaweed), leading to massive human rights violations and a humanitarian crisis. In 2011, South Sudan seceded from Sudan after a long civil war. However, this did not end all conflict, as disputes continue over borders, resources (especially oil), and the rights of the remaining South Sudanese population in Sudan. The two largest ethnic groups, Dinka and Nuer, play a central role in the conflicts. President Salva Kiir is a Dinka while his former vice president Riek Machar is a Nuer. Other groups such as the Murle are also involved in local fighting, often over livestock and land1. There are also former SPLA commanders who rebel against the central government. The conflicts are often characterized by power struggles and resource distribution. Recently, political instability in Sudan has increased, especially after the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Sudan currently has no traditional president but is governed by a Sovereign Council. General Abdel Fattah Burhan is the chairman of this council and serves as the country's head of state. Sudan is in a transition phase. The transitional government faces major challenges, including integrating various armed groups, tackling the economic crisis and preparing for democratic elections. These factors contribute to a complex and persistent conflict that is difficult to resolve and that continues to strain the country and its people. Sudan's civil war began in April 2023 and continues to this day. The Sudanese Army (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is fighting against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as "Hemeti". The conflict has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, with millions of people displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. Several ceasefires have been negotiated but repeatedly broken by both sides. Fighting has spread from the capital Khartoum and Merowe to other parts of the country. The background to the civil war lies in a power struggle between the two generals and the history of the RSF, which was founded in 2013 by long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir. Despite international efforts and the extension of the UN mission UNITAMS, the situation in Sudan remains tense One of the important politicians in South Sudan is Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon. He is a prominent South Sudanese politician, born on November 26, 1952 in Leer, Unity State. Since 2020, he has been the first vice president of South Sudan and leads the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO). Machar has a degree in engineering from the University of Khartoum and a doctorate from the University of Bradford. His political career has been marked by times of conflict and reconciliation with President Salva Kiir Mayardit, including his involvement in the Second Sudanese Civil War and the South Sudanese Civil War. Recently, Machar has faced challenges.   South Sudanese forces have arrested the oil minister and several senior military officers loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar, while soldiers continue to surround his house in the capital, Juba. Deputy Army Chief of Staff General Gabriel Duop Lam was arrested on Tuesday, while Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol was detained on Wednesday along with his bodyguards and relatives. An armed group allied with Machar had taken over a military base in Upper Nile state in the north of the country. The arrest was made as a result. No official reason for the arrest was given. At the end of February, the country's opposition strongly condemned the bombing of one of its military bases in the northeast of the country by the South Sudanese army. Sudan is currently experiencing a civil war between the Sudanese Army (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been going on since April 2023. South Sudan has its own internal conflicts and border disputes with Sudan. Footage from military helicopters circulating on social media showed "bombing" in Ulang county in the upper Nile. There is no independent explanation for this. An opposition spokesman said opposition gathering centers had been bombed by government troops.  Despite calls for compliance with the peace agreement, tensions in South Sudan are rising again. According to the agreement signed in 2018, the Transitional Government of National Unity is based in Juba.

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