Political tensions had been on the rise since President Kiir sacked his entire cabinet in July, especially his VP Riek Machar, whose location at the moment, is unconfirmed. 
Uhasama wa kisiasa ulikuwa umezidi tangu baraza zima la mawaziri, hususan Makamu wa Rais Riek Machar, lilipofutwa kazi na Rais Kiir mwezi Julai.