The South Sudanese Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol has been released after being detained by security forces. This incident escalated tensions among rival factions within the government, particularly between allies of President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Ongoing violence in regions such as Nasir complicates the status of peace in the country established by a 2018 agreement.
The South Sudan security forces have released Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol following his unlawful detention, as confirmed by First Vice President Riek Machar’s spokesman. This release came amid rising tensions due to the arrest of senior officials aligned with Machar, including the petroleum minister and a deputy military head.
Despite the release, the petroleum minister and the military deputy remain in custody, and security forces have been deployed around Machar’s residence. The recent arrests followed clashes in Nasir between national forces and the White Army militia, which is predominantly composed of Nuer members supporting Machar, who previously allied with them during the civil war against Kiir’s Dinka troops.
Government officials have not commented on the arrests, although Information Minister Michael Makuei alleged Machar’s forces attacked a military garrison near Nasir. Machar’s party has denied any involvement in these confrontations, maintaining the commitment to peace established in the 2018 agreement that ended the prolonged conflict in the region.
On Thursday, representatives from regional organizations, including IGAD, the United Nations, and the African Union, met with Machar, urging a restoration of calm in Upper Nile State where the violence has escalated.
In summary, the detention and subsequent release of Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol highlight ongoing tensions within South Sudan despite the peace agreement established in 2018. The detentions of Machar’s allies and recent violence between rival groups reflect the fragile political landscape. Continued dialogue and collaboration from international bodies remain critical for sustaining peace in the region and addressing underlying conflicts.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
