South Sudanese forces have arrested several allies of Riek Machar, including the Deputy Army Chief and the Petroleum Minister, amid military tensions surrounding Machar’s residence. These actions threaten the 2018 peace agreement and could destabilize the region further, especially following unrest in Upper Nile. Calls for the detained officials’ release highlight the urgent need to prevent escalation into further violence.
In a significant political development in South Sudan, security forces have arrested key allies of First Vice President Riek Machar, including the Deputy Army Chief, General Gabriel Duop Lam, and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol. These arrests occurred as soldiers surrounded Machar’s residence in the capital, Juba.
The arrests followed an incident where an armed group affiliated with Machar overtook an army base in the Upper Nile state. The rationale for the detentions remains undisclosed. Machar has previously expressed that the dismissal of his allies jeopardizes the fragile 2018 peace agreement with President Salva Kiir, which has significant implications for national stability.
Water Minister Pal Mai Deng warned that the arrests threaten the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, which established critical governance structures crucial for maintaining peace. Deng stated that these actions could endanger the Joint Defence Board, integral for coordinating military forces.
Additionally, reports indicate that more senior military officials loyal to Machar are now under house arrest. No explanations have been given for their detention, prompting concern among political allies regarding the implications for the peace process. Major-General Lul Ruai Koang, the army spokesperson, declined to comment on the arrests.
The ongoing political strife is reminiscent of the civil war initiated in December 2013 when Machar was dismissed, resulting in severe humanitarian crises as millions were displaced. Tensions intensified due to fears of growing unrest in Upper Nile, where Lam and his troops have been accused of connections with the White Army rebels, an ethnic Nuer group.
Recently, the United Nations reported escalated fighting in the region, highlighting civilian casualties amidst a backdrop of deteriorating conditions. Ter Manyang Gatwich, the executive director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, emphasized the urgency of releasing the detained officials to prevent further violence and escalation into a broader conflict.
The recent arrests of key officials allied with Riek Machar pose a serious threat to the already fragile peace process in South Sudan. The lack of transparency surrounding these actions, coupled with heavy military presence near Machar’s residence, raises significant concerns over the stability of the nation. Calls for the immediate release of detained individuals highlight the critical need for dialogue to avert further violence and potential civil strife.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
