The National Security Service has arrested Honourable Stephen Par Kuol and other officials linked to Vice President Machar, amidst rising violence in Upper Nile State. The arrests follow conflicts with the White Army militia, raising tensions within the government. Analysts warn of potential reprisals from opposition groups, while calls for dialogue against increased insecurity grow. Last year, national elections were postponed to December 2026.
The National Security Service of South Sudan has arrested Honourable Stephen Par Kuol, as reported by Machar’s Spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, via social media platform X. This incident follows the earlier arrests of several high-ranking officials, including the Petroleum Minister and the Deputy Head of the Army, who are associated with Vice President Machar.
The arrests come in the wake of serious conflict in Upper Nile State, where government forces have clashed with the White Army, a militia primarily composed of Nuer people, Machar’s ethnicity. The South Sudanese government has yet to respond officially to these arrests; however, Minister of Information Michael Makuei accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the White Army in attacks against a military installation in Nasir.
The White Army supported Machar’s troops during the civil war from 2013 to 2018, which resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and the displacement of 2.5 million individuals. Although a peace agreement was reached in 2018 that has mostly curbed open conflict, localized violence remains common, exacerbated by the recent civil war in Sudan.
Honourable Kuol, serving as the Peacebuilding Minister, played a significant role in the negotiation of the 2018 peace deal. In light of the increasing violence, church leaders have issued a statement expressing concern over the rising insecurity and political unrest, urging a return to dialogue.
Senior analyst Daniel Akech Thiong from the International Crisis Group remarked that the recent arrests signify a significant escalation, which may incite opposition-linked armed groups to retaliate against government facilities in Upper Nile and Jonglei states. Additionally, last year, the government postponed the national elections, initially planned for December 2026, citing the need for further preparation before implementing democratic processes.
The recent arrests of Honourable Stephen Par Kuol and other officials affiliated with Vice President Machar highlight a troubling escalation of violence and political tension in South Sudan. The ongoing conflicts between government forces and the White Army, in conjunction with the accusations against Machar’s supporters, suggest a destabilizing climate. As calls for dialogue resonate, the implications of these developments could lead to further unrest and complications for the peace agreements established since the civil war.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
