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(Rome, 2025-12-23) – Tensions are rising in South Sudan as a trial against former Vice President Riek Machar proceeds and conflict in neighboring Sudan threatens vital oil infrastructure, according to a recent interview with monsignor Christian Carlassare, the bishop of Bentiu and apostolic administrator of Rumbek.
The prelate warns that political rivalries continue despite a signed peace agreement, and that ethnic divisions remain a notable challenge.
- Riek Machar,a former rebel leader and vice president,is on trial accused of treason,murder,and crimes against humanity.
- Clashes in Sudan have reached the Greyhound oil field, a crucial export hub for South Sudan, prompting a military deployment by Juba.
- Monsignor Carlassare warns that political conflict continues despite a signed peace agreement, and that ethnic divisions remain a significant challenge.
The political climate in South Sudan remains uncertain as the trial of Riek Machar unfolds, with the former vice president facing accusations of “treason, murder and crimes against humanity,” Monsignor Carlassare told the Dire agency. The trial comes as tensions persist between Machar and President Salva Kiir, who previously engaged in a violent collision course.
Beyond internal political struggles, South Sudan faces increasing risks from the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have extended to the Greyhound oil field, a key hydrocarbon export hub for South Sudan. In response, Juba deployed its military to the area earlier this month, following an agreement with the warring parties aimed at protecting energy infrastructure.
Background and Context
Monsignor Carlassare, a 48-year-old Comboni missionary who has worked in South Sudan as before its 2011 independence from Sudan, draws parallels between the current situation and the devastating civil conflict that gripped the country between 2013 and 2018. That conflict resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people, exacerbating existing antagonisms between the communities aligned with Kiir and Machar.
“even today the political situation is very complex and there are many rivalries from many sides,” Carlassare said. “As the Church of South Sudan we warn against this policy of opposition, where despite having signed the peace agreement the conflict continues in another terrain, almost as if to apply war tactics to politics and the government.”
The bishop emphasized the urgent need for change,stating,”this must be changed as the population is tired and just wants to live in peace,seeing some development and having access to essential goods and services,such as school and healthcare.” He noted that in the 12 years as the outbreak of the 2013 conflict, communities have become increasingly divided by violence and injustice, a departure from a previous sense of shared South Sudanese identity.
“There are those who benefit from leveraging ethnic differences, of course, but the South Sudanese are in reality welcoming and tolerant of diversity, thus ready to form a single people.” – Monsignor Christian Carlassare
Despite the challenges, Carlassare
