South Sudan’s political crisis escalates as authorities arrest peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol, along with other officials affiliated with Riek Machar. This action follows clashes in Upper Nile State and raises fears of renewed civil conflict as church leaders call for dialogue. Analysts warn that these tensions may prompt opposition groups to retaliate against government forces, complicating an already fragile peace.
In a notable escalation of tensions within South Sudan, authorities have arrested the peacebuilding minister, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, amidst ongoing conflicts between government forces and opposition allies. This arrest was confirmed by Riek Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang. The South Sudanese forces loyal to President Salva Kiir have previously detained other senior officials, including the petroleum minister and deputy head of the army, who are associated with Machar.
The backdrop to these arrests involves intense clashes in the Upper Nile State between national forces and the White Army militia, which predominantly consists of armed members from the Nuer ethnic group. The government has yet to provide an official statement regarding these developments. However, Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the White Army in attacks against military installations.
The White Army had previously aligned with Machar’s forces during the civil war from 2013 to 2018, a conflict that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and the displacement of 2.5 million people. Although a peace agreement reached in 2018 has largely maintained an uneasy calm, localized violence persists, exacerbated by the civil war in Sudan which has enhanced access to arms for various groups.
Kuol, being a key player in the peace negotiations of 2018, is seen as pivotal for ongoing stability. In light of recent events, church leaders expressed grave concerns over the rising insecurity and political strife, urging the need for dialogue to restore peace. Analyst Daniel Akech Thiong warned that these arrests may prompt the opposition’s armed factions to react with retaliatory attacks on government strongholds in Upper Nile and Jonglei states.
Moreover, the South Sudanese government has postponed the national elections, initially slated for 2023, until December 2026, citing the necessity for further preparation. This delay illustrates the extent of underlying issues yet to be addressed in the quest for political stability and governance.
The recent arrests in South Sudan highlight a critical escalation in political tensions between the government and opposition forces, potentially jeopardizing the fragile peace established since the 2018 agreement. The ongoing arrests of key political figures, alongside accusations of military collaboration, signify a worrying trend that may lead to renewed violence. Church leaders and analysts alike emphasize the urgency of dialogue to mitigate further conflict and stabilize the nation, as the postponed national elections reflect a deeper struggle for governance in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
