South Sudan has detained the petroleum minister and several military officials linked to First Vice President Riek Machar, risking the fragile peace established by the 2018 accord. The arrests follow recent clashes in Nasir between national forces and the White Army militia, raising fears of potential escalations in violence. Observers are urging top leadership to manage tensions to prevent a regression into civil war.
South Sudanese authorities have detained the petroleum minister, Puot Kang Chol, and several high-ranking military officials associated with First Vice President Riek Machar, according to a spokesperson for Machar. These arrests have raised concerns about the stability of the peace agreement that concluded the country’s civil war. The detentions were reportedly linked to ongoing skirmishes in the northern region of Nasir, where the White Army militia, comprising primarily of Nuer fighters, has engaged in conflict against national forces.
The situation escalated amid heightened violence in Nasir, with forces from President Salva Kiir’s government clashing with Machar’s allied fighters. Following the arrests of key figures, including Deputy Army Head Gabriel Doup Lam, other officials connected to Machar have been placed under house arrest. Details regarding the reasoning behind these detentions were not provided by government sources, which has added to the uncertainty surrounding the political landscape.
While South Sudanese soldiers have been deployed around Machar’s residence, he reportedly continued to conduct business as usual on the morning of the arrests. Despite these tensions, government spokesperson Michael Makuei did not respond to inquiries for clarity on the matter but indicated a forthcoming news conference. The civil war in South Sudan, erupting after its 2011 independence from Sudan, has led to widespread humanitarian crises, with hundreds of thousands losing their lives and millions displaced.
Prior to the recent upheaval, violence had diminished significantly since a peace accord was signed in 2018. However, localized conflicts remain frequent, with entities like the African Union warning against escalating violence in Upper Nile State. Ter Manyang from the Center for Peace and Advocacy in Juba expressed grave concerns about the potential return to war if the leadership does not effectively intervene to resolve the situation.
In conclusion, the recent detentions of South Sudan’s petroleum minister and military leaders tied to Riek Machar have raised significant alarm regarding the fragile state of peace in the country. With ongoing violence in Nasir, concerns over the leadership’s ability to manage the crisis effectively are paramount. The historical context of the civil war and the recent calls for de-escalation illustrate the precarious position South Sudan finds itself in, underscoring the need for stable governance to avert further conflict.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
