The arrests of South Sudanese opposition leaders Gabriel Doup Lam and Puot Kang Chol have sparked fears for the stability of the 2018 peace deal that ended the civil war. The situation involves allegations of violence from militia groups and calls for international intervention, as the country approaches delayed elections in 2026. President Kiir addresses these tensions, asserting the commitment to maintain peace amidst escalating strife.
Recent arrests in South Sudan of key opposition figures, including oil minister Gabriel Doup Lam and army general Puot Kang Chol, have raised alarm about the stability of the peace deal brokered in 2018 after years of civil war. Both men are affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and are close allies of Vice-President Riek Machar, a significant opponent of President Salva Kiir. The government has not provided reasons for these arrests, drawing concern and condemnation from opposition parties.
The backdrop of these developments includes the troubled history of South Sudan since its independence from Sudan in 2011, which is marred by a civil war that erupted in 2013. After a staggering loss of life and mass displacement, a peace agreement was reached five years later, though implementation challenges have persisted. Despite the tense situation, President Kiir, through his spokesperson, has insisted that the nation will not regress into war, a statement that raises skepticism among critics.
Gen Lam, responsible for the opposition party’s military operations that have yet to merge with the national army, was arrested during the week, while Chol’s arrest occurred under the cover of night. Security forces also encircled Machar’s residence in Juba, leading to concerns over the safety of other opposition military leaders, who are now under house arrest.
Machar’s spokesperson has condemned the arrests as violations of the peace agreement, suggesting they jeopardize the entire framework set to maintain stability in the country. Calls have been made for international intervention, as recent territorial seizures by the White Army militia further complicate the security landscape. This militia, which allied with Machar during the civil war, has escalated tensions with government forces in strategic areas.
Experts warn that ongoing violence could threaten the fragile peace, emphasizing the need for strong leadership to avert another outbreak of conflict. For South Sudan, which has not yet conducted elections—now pushed to 2026 due to numerous setbacks—the current situation poses a significant risk to its political future and peace process.
The recent arrests of high-ranking opposition figures in South Sudan have ignited serious concerns regarding the future of the peace agreement that brought an end to the civil war. As tensions escalate with the involvement of militia groups and accusations of betrayal within the army, the international community is urged to intervene to preserve the peace. With the nation approaching a pivotal election year, effective leadership and strategic management of the current crisis are essential to prevent a return to conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
