Several senior officials, including the petroleum minister and a lieutenant general allied to Vice President Riek Machar, were arrested in South Sudan amid fears of a coup against the SPLM-IO faction. The actions have raised significant concerns regarding the stability of the power-sharing agreement and the potential for renewed violence in the region. President Kiir has vowed that the country will not return to war despite these tensions.
On March 5, 2025, the South Sudanese government arrested several high-ranking officials, including South Sudan’s petroleum minister, Puot Kang Chol, and a lieutenant general supporting Vice President Riek Machar. The arrests occurred at ministerial residences in Juba, prompting concerns over potential coup actions against the SPLM-IO party members. The operations were reportedly conducted by the National Security Service at the behest of President Salva Kiir’s administration.
Vice President Machar’s spokesperson condemned the arrests, asserting that they violate the 2018 power-sharing agreement, which had concluded an extensive civil war. The spokesperson stated that the developments jeopardize this crucial accord and expressed deep concerns regarding the military’s heavy presence around Machar’s residence.
The lack of official rationale for the arrests has led to speculation surrounding escalating violence in the Upper Nile state, where clashes involving Nuer ethnic group members have heightened tensions. The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) accused General Duop Lam of colluding with rebels, intensifying the ongoing conflict that the UN Mission documented last month.
Following the unrest, it remains essential to note that South Sudan’s tumultuous history includes a civil war that erupted in December 2013, leading to significant loss of life and displacement. Despite the 2018 peace agreement, the region continues to face instability, poverty, and unrest, with vital elections having been postponed due to financial constraints. In light of the situation, President Kiir emphasized that South Sudan would “not go back to war,” aiming to reassure the population amidst rising tensions.
The recent arrests of South Sudanese officials underscore the fragility of the power-sharing government and the ongoing instability that plagues the nation. The situation illustrates deep-rooted tensions, particularly concerning ethnic divisions and political clashes that threaten the fragile peace established by a previous agreement. Despite assurances from President Kiir regarding the unity of the country, the specter of renewed violence looms large over South Sudan’s future.
Original Source: www.dw.com
