South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister, Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested by national forces, complicating the country’s fragile peace process. Tensions have risen following clashes with the White Army militia. Accusations ensue regarding collaboration between militia forces and officials loyal to Machar, raising further instability amidst the detainment of key political figures involving the 2018 peace deal.
On Thursday, South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested by national forces, as announced by Vice President Riek Machar’s spokesman, Puok Both Baluang. This incident represents a significant setback for the nation’s already fragile peace process, which has previously seen the detainment of several senior officials associated with Machar.
The arrests transpired amidst escalating violence in Nasir, a strategically vital northern town, where clashes have occurred between government forces and the White Army militia, primarily composed of Nuer members, Machar’s ethnic group. This militia has historical ties to Machar’s forces, particularly during the civil conflict from 2013 to 2018 against predominantly Dinka troops supporting President Salva Kiir.
Information Minister Michael Makuei alleged that Machar’s loyalists have been collaborating with the White Army and launched attacks against a military garrison near Nasir. However, Makuei declined to comment on Kuol’s arrest, who played a crucial role in negotiations leading to the 2018 peace agreement that ended the preceding civil war.
This week, the vice presidency confirmed the detainment of not only Kuol but also Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Gabriel Doup Lam, the deputy army head, alongside other senior military officials allied with Machar. These actions underscore the precarious nature of peace in South Sudan.
The arrest of South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister highlights the ongoing tensions within the country and raises concerns about the stability of the peace process. The detentions of key political figures, particularly those aligned with Vice President Riek Machar, reflect deepening divisions. As fighting escalates in strategic areas like Nasir, the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement remains at risk, prompting urgent discussions about the future governance of South Sudan.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
