In a significant escalation of tensions in South Sudan, First Vice President Riek Machar has been placed under house arrest, prompting fears of a potential return to civil war. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/IO), led by Machar, condemned the government’s actions, stating that the arrest “effectively brings the [peace] agreement to a collapse,” according to SPLM/IO deputy leader Oyet Nathaniel Pierino. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/66a34271b9b6af9893e2bc14301c6fcb?utm_source=openai))

The arrest occurred late Wednesday when an armed convoy, led by Defense Minister and Chief of National Security, entered Machar’s residence in Juba, disarmed his bodyguards, and detained him alongside his wife, Interior Minister Angelina Teny. The SPLM/IO described the government’s actions as a “blatant violation of the constitution and the Revitalized Peace Agreement,” according to Reath Muoch Tang, chairman of the party’s foreign relations committee. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-sudan-vp-machars-party-trying-locate-him-after-arrest-warrant-issued-2025-03-26/?utm_source=openai))

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating situation. Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), stated that the country is “teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war,” urging all parties to “exercise restraint and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement.” ([wsls.com](https://www.wsls.com/news/world/2025/03/25/south-sudan-is-teetering-on-the-edge-of-renewed-civil-war-un-envoy-says/?utm_source=openai))

International responses have been swift. The United States has called on President Salva Kiir to release Machar, with the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs urging Kiir to “reverse the house arrest and prevent further escalation of the situation.” ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/us-urges-south-sudan-president-release-vp-machar-who-is-reportedly-under-house-2025-03-27/?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, Germany and Norway have temporarily closed their embassies in Juba due to security concerns. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/germany-temporarily-shuts-embassy-south-sudan-amid-fears-civil-war-2025-03-22/?utm_source=openai))

The SPLM/IO has called for calm among its members and the public, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. However, the situation remains volatile, with fears that the fragile peace deal established in 2018 could unravel, leading to renewed conflict in the region. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/66a34271b9b6af9893e2bc14301c6fcb?utm_source=openai))

As the international community watches closely, the next steps taken by South Sudan’s leaders will be crucial in determining the country’s path forward. The United States and European nations have reduced their diplomatic presence in the country, urging citizens to leave amid escalating tensions. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/e2cad680e561d9f06925d8c3fc73a388?utm_source=openai))

What led to the arrest of South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar?

Riek Machar was placed under house arrest following an armed convoy led by Defense Minister and Chief of National Security,which entered his residence in Juba,disarmed his bodyguards,and detained him alongside his wife,Interior Minister Angelina Teny. The SPLM/IO party condemned this action as a violation of the constitution and the Revitalized Peace Agreement. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-sudan-vp-machars-party-trying-locate-him-after-arrest-warrant-issued-2025-03-26/?utm_source=openai))

How has the international community responded to Machar’s detention?

The United States has called on President Salva Kiir to release Machar,urging him to reverse the house arrest and prevent further escalation. Germany and Norway have temporarily closed their embassies in Juba due to security concerns. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/us-urges-south-sudan-president-release-vp-machar-who-is-reportedly-under-house-2025-03-27/?utm_source=openai), [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/germany-temporarily-shuts-embassy-south-sudan-amid-fears-civil-war-2025-03-22/?utm_source=openai))

What are the potential consequences of this political crisis?

The United Nations has expressed deep concern, warning that south Sudan is “teetering on the edge of a relapse into civil war.” The SPLM/IO party has called for calm and emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/66a34271b9b6af9893e2bc14301c6fcb?utm_source=openai))

What is the current status of the peace agreement between Kiir and Machar?

The fragile peace deal established in 2018 is at risk of collapse due to recent tensions and actions by the government. The SPLM/IO party has suspended participation in aspects of the peace agreement, affecting security arrangements. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-sudan-party-partially-withdraws-peace-process-2025-03-18/?utm_source=openai))

How has the situation affected diplomatic relations?

The United States and European nations have reduced their diplomatic presence in South Sudan, urging citizens to leave amid escalating tensions. The U.S. State Department has ordered all nonemergency government staff to depart due to security concerns.([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/e2cad680e561d9f06925d8c3fc73a388?utm_source=openai))