Fears that South Sudan - the world's youngest nation - could plunge into a new civil war have intensified after the party of suspended Vice-President Riek Machar called for regime change.
The call came after Machar - currently under house arrest - was charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.
His party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO), has denounced the charges as a political witch-hunt to dismantle a 2018 peace accord that ended a five-year civil war.
Meanwhile, extra troops from neighbouring Uganda have been deployed to South Sudan's capital, Juba, as tensions escalate.
The latest crisis comes as a UN report accused South Sudanese officials of stealing billions of dollars in oil revenues, depriving millions of essential services and fuelling the deadly conflict.
What's the background?
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of struggle led by the SPLM under President Salva Kiir.
Just two years into independence, a civil war erupted when Kiir dismissed Machar as vice-president, accusing him of plotting a coup. This conflict, fought along ethnic lines, resulted in an estimated 400,000 deaths and 2.5 million people being displaced.
Why is there tension now?
The current crisis began with clashes in Upper Nile state involving the White Army militia and the army. UN helicopter evacuations have come under attack, leading to casualties, including military leaders.
Rather than defusing tensions, the government has charged Machar with treason, with his party demanding regime change and mobilizing supporters for potential conflict.
What about the 2018 peace deal?
While Machar's role in the unity government was pivotal, the agreement has seen little implementation, particularly concerning security arrangements and elections, leaving a precarious balance of power.
How has corruption affected the situation?
UN reports highlight rampant corruption, with billions in oil revenues misappropriated, severely impacting public services and living conditions across the country.
How bad could things get?
Warnings from the UN indicate South Sudan is on the brink of full-scale civil war. The region’s instability could also incite proxy wars as armed factions prepare for potential conflict amidst ongoing tensions.
