South Sudan’s main opposition party announced on Thursday that the peace deal has collapsed. This statement came just a day after security forces arrested opposition leader Riek Machar.

Deputy chairperson Oyet Nathaniel Pierino stated that the agreement “has been abrogated.” Furthermore, he claimed that Machar’s detention proves a lack of commitment to peace and stability.

Rising Tensions and Renewed War Threat

The United Nations warned on Monday that South Sudan is on the brink of war. Fighting erupted in the north between government forces and a militia linked to Machar. As a result, fears of renewed conflict have intensified.

The 2018 peace deal had ended a five-year civil war that killed 400,000 people. Consequently, it led to a unity government where President Salva Kiir and Machar shared power. Machar now serves as one of five vice presidents.

However, tensions between their parties have steadily increased. In March, the White Army, a militia supporting Machar, attacked a government base in Upper Nile state. Additionally, the group targeted a U.N. helicopter.

In response, the government launched airstrikes. Officials warned civilians to leave the area or “face consequences.”

Since mid-March, airstrikes have killed more than a dozen people. As a result, the U.N. has urged leaders to take immediate action to prevent another war.

Global Reactions and Concerns

Meanwhile, opposition spokesperson Pal Mai Deng revealed that Machar “is in confinement by the government” and that his life is in danger.

Similarly, Nicholas Haysom, head of the U.N. mission in South Sudan, urged all sides to “exercise restraint and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement.”

Security forces arrested Machar at his home. They arrived in 20 heavily armed vehicles. Moreover, officers disarmed his bodyguards and handed him an unclear arrest warrant. Opposition official Reath Muoch Tang confirmed that Machar’s wife was also detained.

In an effort to defuse tensions, African Union Commission chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf announced plans to send a team to Juba.

At the same time, the U.S. State Department called on President Kiir to release Machar. It warned that his arrest could “escalate the situation.”

Additionally, Yasmin Sooka, chair of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, condemned the arrest. She stated, “The deliberate targeting of opposition leaders and civilians represents a reckless disregard for international law and the country’s future.”

Growing Security Fears

Earlier in March, security forces arrested several of Machar’s senior allies. His supporters described it as a “grave violation” of the peace deal.

Due to escalating security threats, Germany and Norway have shut their embassies in Juba. Likewise, the U.S. Embassy has reduced staff and warned Americans to prepare for possible lockdowns. The British Embassy has also limited services.

Ultimately, tensions in South Sudan are at their highest. Leaders must now choose between peace and another devastating war.