South Sudan’s military has detained a senior official allied with First Vice President Riek Machar, jeopardizing the 2018 peace agreement. Troops have surrounded Machar’s residence, raising tensions. The actions are viewed as violations of the peace deal, further risking the stability of the region and trust among political leaders.
In a concerning development for peace in South Sudan, a senior military leader loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar has been detained by South Sudanese forces. This incident has been described as a serious threat to the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, which ended a devastating civil war. Troops have also been reported surrounding Machar’s residence, raising tensions further, according to Machar’s spokesperson, Pal Mai Deng.
The 2018 peace agreement was intended to resolve the conflict between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, a conflict that had resulted in extensive loss of life and displacement. On Tuesday, General Paul Nang, who commands the defense forces, arrested Lieutenant General Gabriel Doup Lam. This action has been declared a violation of the Revitalised Agreement, jeopardizing the Joint Defence Board, which plays a pivotal role in military oversight.
Pal Mai Deng emphasized that the recent military maneuvers and the detention of Lam undermined confidence among the peace agreement’s parties. He stated, “These actions erode confidence and trust among the parties.”, highlighting the detrimental impact on the already fragile political situation in South Sudan. Meanwhile, South Sudan army spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang declined to comment on the specifics of the arrest or the troop deployments near Machar’s residence.
The civil war that began in December 2013 has had catastrophic effects, leading to the deaths of an estimated 400,000 individuals and displacing over 2.5 million people. The resultant humanitarian crisis has left about half of South Sudan’s population struggling with food insecurity. Efforts to restore stability have been hampered by ongoing violence, including a significant confrontation in 2016 between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar, further endangering peace efforts in the region.
The recent arrest of a military official linked to First Vice President Riek Machar and the surrounding military presence pose significant threats to the 2018 peace agreement in South Sudan. This situation raises serious concerns about the stability of the nation, potentially undermining years of efforts to maintain peace and security post-civil war. The necessity of safeguarding the agreement to avoid further humanitarian crises is clear.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
