Gatwech Lam Puoch, a prominent South Sudanese opposition lawmaker, was arrested by the National Security Service in Juba. His detention is linked to mounting political friction between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, amidst heightened security measures around Mr. Machar’s residence. The arrest raises concerns over the stability of the 2018 peace agreement following increased violence in the region.
The arrest of prominent opposition lawmaker Gatwech Lam Puoch occurred in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Tuesday afternoon, as reported by multiple sources. Mr. Gatwech, a senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) representing Nasir County in Parliament, was apprehended by the National Security Service (NSS) from his home in Thonypiny neighborhood and is currently detained at the NSS’s Blue House, a well-known detention center.
Puok Both Baluang, the press secretary for First Vice President Riek Machar, confirmed the arrest but refrained from offering further details. Mr. Gatwech is a significant figure within the SPLM-IO, the political faction led by Mr. Machar, who serves as South Sudan’s first vice president under the 2018 power-sharing agreement. His arrest emerges amidst escalating political tensions between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those affiliated with Mr. Machar, particularly in light of recent violent clashes.
Last week, violent encounters occurred in Nasir, Upper Nile State, resulting in casualties, including an SSPDF commander. This violence has led to a crackdown by President Kiir’s government on supporters of Mr. Machar, leading to the detention of several military officials and the petroleum minister. Mr. Gatwech’s arrest is perceived to be associated with his recent political activities, including a demand for the suspension of SSPDF deployments to Nasir, advocating for local consultation before military operations.
Concerns are mounting regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement, which concluded a five-year civil war and aimed to facilitate a unity government and elections, although progress remains sluggish. In another related matter, additional NSS personnel have been deployed around the residence of Vice President Riek Machar, with approximately 42 personnel noted this morning. The rationale for their presence is yet to be clarified, although it may be connected to the funeral of Majur Dak, an SSPDF commander slain in recent conflicts, with no official statement confirming this speculation.
The arrest of Gatwech Lam Puoch underscores the escalating political tensions in South Sudan, especially related to affiliations with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The actions against Mr. Gatwech highlight ongoing concerns regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement as political friction and violence continue to disrupt efforts towards a peaceful resolution. Furthermore, the increased security surrounding Mr. Machar’s residence indicates rising tensions and uncertainty in the nation’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
