South Sudan’s Peacebuilding Minister has been released by authorities after tensions escalated from the detention of senior officials loyal to Vice President Riek Machar. Ongoing violence in the northern town of Nasir poses challenges to the peace established by the 2018 agreement. Regional bodies are urging all involved to restore calm and unity. The situation remains a concern as violence between communities persists.
South Sudan’s security forces have released the Peacebuilding Minister, Stephen Par Kuol, who was detained along with three staff members. The release comes as tensions escalated following the arrests of several senior officials allied with First Vice President Riek Machar. Among those still in custody are the petroleum minister and a deputy military chief, potentially jeopardizing the peace agreement that ended the civil war between the factions of President Salva Kiir and Vice President Machar.
The recent detentions followed violent clashes in the northern town of Nasir, involving national forces and the White Army militia, primarily composed of members from the Nuer ethnic group, which is loyal to Machar. This militia previously allied with Machar during the civil war. Observers note that the government’s silence on the arrests contrasts with accusations from Information Minister Michael Makuei, who alleged Machar’s forces collaborated with the militia to attack a military base.
Despite these unfolding events, regional officials from IGAD, the United Nations, the African Union, and the RJMEC met with Machar, urging all parties to calm tensions in Upper Nile State. As South Sudan remains officially at peace since the 2018 agreement, ongoing violence between communities continues to disrupt stability in the region, prompting calls for unity and dialogue among leaders and political factions.
The situation in South Sudan remains precarious following the release of the Peacebuilding Minister amidst ongoing arrests of key officials. The tensions arise from recent clashes in Nasir and accusations of collaboration between rival forces. As the international community urges for dialogue and stability, the delicate peace established by the 2018 agreement is under continuous threat from internal conflicts.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
