South Sudanese security forces released peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol, a key ally of First Vice President Riek Machar, after a series of arrests increased tensions. Despite Kuol’s release, other officials remain in custody, and the government has not provided comments on these detentions. Recent conflicts in Nasir have raised concerns about the ongoing peace process in South Sudan.
Recently, South Sudanese security forces loyal to President Salva Kiir released the peacebuilding minister, a significant ally of First Vice President Riek Machar, according to Machar’s spokesman. This release occurred amidst heightened tensions following the arrest or house arrest of several Machar allies, including key officials such as the petroleum minister and a deputy military head, which jeopardizes a critical peace agreement.
The peacebuilding minister, Stephen Par Kuol, who was detained along with three of his staff by the National Security, was released early on Friday, as confirmed by Machar’s spokesman Puok Both Baluang. However, the petroleum minister and the deputy military head remained in custody at the time of reporting. Security forces deployed around Machar’s residence did not prevent him from traveling to his office.
Recent detentions followed intense clashes in the strategic town of Nasir between government forces and the White Army militia, primarily composed of Machar’s Nuer ethnic group, which previously fought alongside Machar’s troops during the civil war from 2013 to 2018. In contrast, President Kiir’s predominantly Dinka forces confronted them. The government has not addressed the arrests, while Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s supporters of working with the White Army to assault a military base.
While South Sudan has experienced formal peace since the 2018 accord, sporadic violence persists among rival communities. On Thursday, representatives from regional organizations and international entities, including IGAD, the United Nations, and the African Union, met with Machar to advocate for a return to calm in Upper Nile State, which includes Nasir.
The recent release of the peacebuilding minister highlights ongoing tensions within South Sudan’s political landscape, following the arrests of several senior allies of First Vice President Riek Machar. While the country has nominally maintained peace since 2018, sporadic violence continues to disrupt stability, prompting calls for calm from regional and international stakeholders. The situation remains precarious as key officials are still detained, indicating a potential impact on the fragile peace agreement.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
