NAIROBI (Al-Yurae) — A U.N. human rights body said Saturday that escalating violence and political disputes in South Sudan are threatening the fragile peace process there, days after officials allied with the country’s vice president were arrested.
Earlier this month, security forces loyal to President Salva Kiir arrested two ministers and several senior military officials allied with Riek Machar.
The recent developments have raised concerns about the stability of the power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar, which aimed to end years of civil conflict in the world’s youngest nation.
Yasmin Sooka, chair of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, urged leaders to refocus on the peace process and protect citizens’ rights.
The African Union has also expressed “deep concern” over the situation, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
