The arrests of Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol and General Gabriel Duop Lam, allies of Vice President Riek Machar, have raised concerns about the stability of South Sudan’s peace agreement. Tensions are escalating as the SSPDF accuse Lam of supporting rebels in Upper Nile state, prompting fears for the future of the country following a tumultuous civil war.
Concerns regarding South Sudan‟s fragile peace agreement have intensified following the arrests of key political figures, including Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol and General Gabriel Duop Lam, the deputy head of the armed forces. General Lam, a significant ally of Vice President Riek Machar, was detained after allegations arose that he was aiding rebels in Upper Nile state. The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), loyal to President Salva Kiir, surrounded Machar’s residence in Juba following these developments.
The rivalry between President Kiir and Vice President Machar previously led to a devastating civil war from 2013 to 2018, resulting in approximately 400,000 fatalities. Although a power-sharing agreement was established to end the conflict, implementing various terms of the deal, notably the scheduling of elections, has faced numerous delays.
Pal Mai Deng, Machar’s spokesperson, articulated concerns about the implications of Lam’s arrest, stating it “violates” the peace agreement and jeopardizes the entire accord. Moreover, he expressed significant worry over the substantial military presence around Machar’s home.
In addition to Lam, Minister Puot Kang Chol was arrested along with his family and bodyguards at his residence in Juba. This action was conducted by operatives from the National Security Service, according to a statement from his press secretary.
These escalating tensions are reportedly linked to fears of unrest in Upper Nile state. The SSPDF has accused Duop Lam and his forces of collaborating with the White Army rebels, who primarily belong to the Nuer ethnic group. A recent UN report highlighted increased clashes between the army and local armed groups in Upper Nile, involving heavy weaponry and resulting in civilian casualties.
South Sudan remains entrenched in turmoil, marked by widespread poverty and ongoing violence since gaining independence from Sudan just two years prior to the outbreak of civil war, illustrating the persistent instability within the nation.
The situation in South Sudan has become increasingly precarious following the arrests of key allies of Vice President Riek Machar, raising alarms about the stability of the fragile peace agreement established after years of civil conflict. The rising tensions between the leadership factions pose a significant risk to ongoing peace efforts, with substantial military deployments heightening concerns. Continued vigilance and resolution efforts are essential to avert further escalation in this war-torn nation.
Original Source: www.newagebd.net
