The South Sudanese petroleum minister has been detained by military officials, amid arrests of military personnel linked to First Vice President Riek Machar. As tensions rise, security forces surround Machar’s home, following violent clashes involving the White Army militia. The situation reflects ongoing political instability in South Sudan, exacerbated by delayed elections and previous civil conflict.
Recent developments in South Sudan have revealed the detention of the nation’s petroleum minister by military officials. This incident follows the arrest of several military officers, who are believed to have ties with the First Vice President, Riek Machar. As tensions escalate, security forces have been deployed around Machar’s residence, indicating a heightened state of alert amidst the continuing political instability.
The arrests transpired shortly after intense clashes between national troops and militia groups, particularly the White Army, which predominantly comprises members of Machar’s ethnic community, the Nuer. These hostilities marked a resurgence of conflict reminiscent of the civil unrest that plagued the nation between 2013 and 2018, particularly in the strategic northern town of Nasir.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has grappled with ongoing instability and the challenges of executing a peace agreement established in 2018, which aimed to conclude a civil war that has claimed nearly 400,000 lives. Furthermore, upcoming elections, originally scheduled for October, have been postponed to 2026 due to the precarious political climate.
Last week, the African Union and the UN peacekeeping forces issued warnings highlighting the potential for “widespread violence” and called for de-escalation in Upper Nile State. Ter Manyang, the director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy in Juba, cautioned that the recent arrests could heighten tensions, and if mismanaged, might lead to warfare in the region.
In summary, the recent detention of South Sudan’s petroleum minister and military officials highlights the continuing political unrest and security concerns within the country. The interconnectedness of these events with historical grievances and ethnic rivalries underscores the precarious situation, further complicated by postponed elections. Immediate attention and careful management are imperative to prevent escalation into further violence.
Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com
