On Thursday, South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister was arrested, following others allied with First Vice President Riek Machar. The detentions have raised fears for the stability of the peace agreement established in 2018. Efforts for dialogue are urged by Western embassies to address the rising tensions amid ongoing violent clashes in Upper Nile State.
On Thursday, South Sudan’s Minister of Peacebuilding, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested, marking the third detention of leaders aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar. This incident occurred shortly after the arrests of the oil minister and the deputy head of the army, both also affiliated with Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO). These actions have sparked concerns regarding the stability of the fragile peace agreement established in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and Machar following a five-year civil war.
Tensions have escalated, jeopardizing the unity government due to violent clashes particularly noted in Upper Nile State. The government reported ongoing clashes between its forces and Machar’s rebels in the region. The United Nations has condemned the situation, indicating a rise in violence that has resulted in casualties and the deployment of heavy weaponry.
In response to the growing unrest, regional entities and Western embassies have issued statements urging an immediate cessation of hostilities. A joint statement from these diplomatic missions, including representatives from the United States, Britain, and the European Union, emphasized that leaders in Juba must prioritize peaceful dialogue and the welfare of the South Sudanese populace above all else.
Furthermore, President Kiir’s recent political maneuvers have drawn criticism, with analysts suggesting these actions are aimed at consolidating his power while sidelining Machar. Notably, Kiir recently dismissed two of the five vice presidents from the unity government without prior consultation with other stakeholders and also removed a supporter of Machar from the governorship of Western Equatoria State.
The arrest of Minister Stephen Par Kuol and other notable leaders aligned with Riek Machar has raised significant concerns regarding the ongoing political stability in South Sudan. As tensions escalate, jeopardizing the fragile peace agreement established in 2018, international entities are calling for urgent dialogue to prioritize the interests of the South Sudanese people. The evolving situation requires close observation, especially regarding the political dynamics between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
