South Sudan has detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and senior military officials tied to First Vice President Riek Machar, casting doubt on the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. The situation remains volatile as violence persists among rival communities, and no reasons have been provided for the officials’ arrests.
In South Sudan, authorities have detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol along with several senior military officials associated with First Vice President Riek Machar, according to a representative from Machar’s office. This development raises concerns about the stability of the peace agreement that concluded the civil war in 2018, following a protracted five-year conflict between Machar and President Salva Kiir.
The peace agreement formally restored peace yet the relationship between President Kiir and Vice President Machar remains tense. Meanwhile, incidents of violence among various communities continue to occur. Notably, Puok Both Baluang, spokesman for Machar, disclosed that the minister and the deputy army chief were apprehended, while other military officials loyal to Machar have been placed under house arrest.
Baluang remarked that as of the current situation, no explanations have been provided for the arrests. Furthermore, South Sudanese troops have been stationed around Machar’s residence, although he still managed to access his office on Wednesday morning.
The arrests of key officials allied with First Vice President Riek Machar may severely threaten the fragile peace established in South Sudan. With ongoing tensions between the leaders and violence persisting within communities, these developments signify potential challenges ahead for the nation’s stability. Authorities’ failure to provide reasons for the detentions further complicates the situation, raising alarms for the future peaceful coexistence in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
