The peace agreement in South Sudan is jeopardized by the arrests of key officials linked to Vice President Riek Machar, prompting concerns over trust and stability within the region. The ongoing political turmoil highlights the fragility of the peace established in 2018, which has yet to see successful unification of armed factions.
The peace agreement in South Sudan faces significant jeopardy following the arrest of Lieutenant General Gabriel Doup Lam, a high-ranking military officer affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar. In addition, Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol, also connected to Machar, has been apprehended. Both individuals are believed to be detained, with reports indicating that their relatives and bodyguards have also been arrested, and their electronic devices confiscated.
A spokesman for Machar remarked that these arrests infringe upon the peace agreement, stating, “This action violates the peace agreement and paralyzes the Joint Defence Board, which oversees the command and control of all forces. These measures erode trust between the parties.” The current atmosphere is further complicated by ongoing political and security unrest, marked by violence between rival factions despite the 2018 peace pact intended to end the prolonged civil conflict.
The civil war, instigated in December 2013, has resulted in substantial loss of life, with over 400,000 fatalities, along with the displacement of millions and devastating economic consequences for South Sudan. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) was established in 2018 but has encountered substantial delays and hurdles, particularly concerning the unification of armed groups into a national army.
The situation surrounding the peace agreement in South Sudan remains precarious following the recent arrests linked to Vice President Machar. The ongoing political instability and violence jeopardize not only the progress made since the 2018 peace treaty but also the prospects for lasting peace and national unity. Urgent measures are required to restore trust and comply with the established agreements.
Original Source: www.fides.org
