In South Sudan, the arrest of allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar has raised alarm over the stability of the peace agreement established post-civil war. Rising violence in Upper Nile State and political tactics by President Salva Kiir jeopardize unity, prompting calls for international intervention to maintain peace.
South Sudanese authorities have apprehended key allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar, specifically the oil minister and deputy army chief, sparking concerns regarding the stability of the nation’s already fragile peace agreement. This turmoil arises amidst escalating tensions, particularly violent encounters in the northeastern Upper Nile State, indicating a serious risk to the power-sharing framework initially established in 2018 to end a five-year civil war.
The clashes in Upper Nile State have reportedly involved ongoing confrontations between government soldiers and rebels affiliated with Machar’s faction, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO). Government Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth accused the SPLM-IO of colluding with the White Army, a militia primarily composed of armed youths from the Nuer ethnic group, to carry out attacks on government positions.
In response to these threats, two close associates of Machar, General Gabriel Duop Lam and Minister Puot Kang Chol, have been detained. Moreover, the army has surrounded Machar’s residence in Juba, though reports indicate he was present in his office following the incident.
This situation is leading to heightened fears of a return to violence in South Sudan, a country that suffered immense casualties—approximately 400,000 deaths—during its previous civil conflict. Professor Abraham Kuol Nyuon from the University of Juba highlighted that ongoing aggressive behaviors among the leadership hinder dialogue and consideration for the populace, posing risks of renewed conflict.
Despite significant oil resources, South Sudan remains entrenched in poverty, with many aspects of the peace agreement—including constitution drafting and elections—yet to be realized. The United Nations has raised alarms about increased violent conflicts in Upper Nile State, with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development expressing that ongoing clashes jeopardize the accomplishments of the peace agreement and worsen the humanitarian crisis plaguing the region.
The recent arrests of key allies of South Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar underscore the precarious nature of the peace agreement established post-civil war. With increased violence and political maneuvers by President Salva Kiir threatening stability, the potential for renewed conflict remains high. Significant diplomatic intervention may be necessary to mitigate risks and uphold the tenuous peace in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.newsofbahrain.com
