South Sudan’s government has arrested several associates of Vice President Riek Machar, including the Deputy Army Chief and Petroleum Minister, while his residence is surrounded by soldiers. The arrests threaten the fragile 2018 peace accord following increased violence in Upper Nile state. Concerns have been raised about escalating tensions and trust between political factions.
In South Sudan, the government has detained key allies of First Vice President Riek Machar while soldiers have surrounded his residence in the capital, Juba. Among those arrested include Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam on Tuesday and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol on Wednesday, along with his bodyguards and family members, though no reason was provided for these actions.
The arrests follow the violent takeover of an army base in northern Upper Nile by a group aligned with Machar, raising concerns over the 2018 peace deal forged between him and President Salva Kiir to end a long civil war. Political rivalry between Machar and Kiir has previously escalated into conflict, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life.
Water Minister Pal Mai Deng, representing Machar’s SPLM-IO party, stated that the arrest of Lam jeopardizes the peace agreement, emphasizing that such actions violate the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. Deng indicated that the heavy military presence around Machar’s home undermines stability and the trust essential for peace between the conflicting parties.
Puok Both Baluang, another spokesperson for Machar, revealed that additional military officials allied with Machar have also been placed under house arrest. As of now, no explanations have been given regarding their detentions. The South Sudan army spokesperson Major-General Lul Ruai Koang has refrained from commenting on the matter.
Tensions are rooted in the growing unrest within Upper Nile state, where the government has accused Lam and his troops of collaborating with the White Army rebels, who predominantly belong to the Nuer ethnic community. Recent reports from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan indicate an escalation in violence involving heavy weaponry, leading to civilian casualties.
South Sudan has faced significant challenges since its independence from Sudan, with the civil war uprooting over 2.5 million people and exacerbating food insecurity. Ter Manyang Gatwich, executive director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, has urged for the immediate release of those detained to prevent further violence and potential large-scale conflict.
The recent arrests of Riek Machar’s allies in South Sudan and the military encirclement of his residence signal rising tensions and potential threats to the existing peace accord. These developments evoke serious concerns regarding the stability of the nation, with calls for immediate action to avert further conflict. The ongoing violence underscores the intricate and volatile political situation in South Sudan following years of civil strife.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
