Despite the tensions, Machar continues to serve as the first vice president in a national unity government, although his party opposes Kiir.

Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with stability, descending into civil war in 2013 due to ethnic divisions between factions led by President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar.

The ongoing violence jeopardizes the 2018 peace agreement between Machar and Kiir, which aimed to end a civil war that has claimed over 400,000 lives.

Riek Machar, currently under house arrest, has been accused of subversion by President Kiir, whose rivalry with Machar threatens to reignite civil conflict.

Recent clashes have intensified, with the White Army capturing an army base in Nasir, a stronghold for Machar's supporters, prompting government airstrikes that have reportedly resulted in significant civilian casualties.

Pal Mai Deng, a spokesman for Machar's Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In-Opposition, has accused the government of using chemical weapons in these airstrikes, calling for international scrutiny.

Human Rights Watch has reported that government forces used incendiary weapons in populated areas, causing severe injuries and destruction in Upper Nile state.

In response to the escalating violence, the South Sudanese government has ordered the evacuation of civilians from Nasir, although they have not commented on the allegations of chemical weapon use.

Since March 2025, fighting has escalated in northern South Sudan, particularly between government troops and the White Army, leading to numerous fatalities.

In light of the recent violence, South Sudan's main opposition party has called for an international investigation into alleged human rights abuses by the government.

The political rivalry between Kiir and Machar is seen as a major barrier to achieving lasting peace in South Sudan, with Kiir's recent actions further raising tensions.

Presidential elections in South Sudan, which have been delayed multiple times, are currently scheduled for 2026.