South Sudan has detained its oil minister and several senior military officials, which could jeopardize the 2018 peace agreement. This arrest highlights ongoing tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, undermining stability in the region. Troops have been deployed around Machar’s residence, enhancing concerns about political security.
The recent detainment of South Sudan’s oil minister and several high-ranking military officials has raised concerns regarding the stability of the nation’s peace agreement. This arrest was confirmed by a spokesperson for Vice President Riek Machar, indicating a potential threat to the fragile peace following the conclusion of the civil war in 2018 between Machar and President Salva Kiir, which had caused significant loss of life.
While South Sudan officially entered a state of peace with the 2018 accord that ended a five-year conflict, tensions remain high between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. Internal violence continues to sporadically erupt between competing factions, undermining efforts toward stabilization within the country. The recent arrests may further escalate these tensions.
According to Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, the detainment includes Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and the deputy head of the army, while other military officials aligned with Machar have been placed under house arrest. Baluang stated, “As of now, there’s not any reason provided to us that led to the arrest or the detention of (these) officials.”
In a show of force, South Sudanese military units were deployed around Machar’s residence. Despite this, Baluang confirmed that the vice president managed to visit his office on that Wednesday morning, suggesting a complex and tense political environment within the capital.
The recent arrest of key political and military figures in South Sudan underscores the persistent volatility within the country’s governance structures. While the 2018 peace agreement aimed to resolve years of conflict, ongoing tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar continue to threaten stability. The situation remains fluid, with potential ramifications for peace and governance in South Sudan.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
