South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, has been arrested, marking the third detention of an ally of First Vice President Riek Machar. The arrests have intensified concerns over the stability of the fragile peace agreement established in 2018. As hostilities continue in Upper Nile State, international governments stress the need for peaceful dialogue and criticize the political moves made by President Kiir.
On Thursday, South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested by the National Security Service. This incident marks the third detention of an individual aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar, following the recent arrests of both the oil minister and the deputy head of the army, who also belong to Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition.
The detentions have escalated concerns regarding the stability of the fragile peace agreement established in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and Machar, aimed at ending a five-year civil war. Increased hostilities have threatened the unity government, with reports of violent confrontations in Upper Nile State where clashes between government forces and Machar’s allied rebels have been reported.
The United Nations has raised alarms over the heightened violence in Upper Nile State, indicating the involvement of heavy weaponry and multiple fatalities. In response, regional nations and Western governments, including the United States and the European Union, have jointly urged cessation of hostilities.
The diplomatic community has emphasized the need for Juba-based leaders to prioritize peaceful dialogue and the welfare of the South Sudanese people. Furthermore, analysts have criticized the political maneuvers of President Kiir, interpreting them as efforts to reinforce his leadership while marginalizing Machar’s influence. Recently, Kiir terminated two vice presidents from the unity government and dismissed a governor from Machar’s faction without prior consultation.
The recent arrest of Hon. Stephen Par Kuol and the previous detentions of additional allies of First Vice President Riek Machar underscore a troubling trend of escalating tensions within South Sudan’s precarious political landscape. These developments threaten the integrity of the peace agreement established in 2018, necessitating urgent calls from international observers for peaceful dialogue and resolution of conflict. President Salva Kiir’s controversial political decisions have further complicated the situation, raising fears of long-term instability within South Sudan.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
