The South Sudan government accused opposition leader Riek Machar of conspiracy amid escalating tensions. Machar’s arrest has led to demands for his immediate release, while officials assert that the 2018 peace agreement remains intact. Calls for dialogue and calm resonate from both sides, emphasizing the need for sustained peace efforts.
The government of South Sudan has publicly accused Vice President Riek Machar, a prominent opposition leader, of conspiracy amid a deepening crisis. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) responded by demanding Machar’s immediate release. The apprehension arises from Machar’s alleged interactions with opposition figures, leading to heightened tensions within the government.
Following these events, South Sudanese Information Minister Michael Makuei reassured that the fragile 2018 peace deal remains intact. At a press conference, he insisted there is no imminent threat of renewed conflict, emphasizing that “the peace agreement has not collapsed and will not collapse under any circumstances.”
Moreover, Stephen Par Kuol, South Sudan’s peace minister, urged signatories of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement to uphold the permanent ceasefire as a pathway to lasting peace. He expressed the need for calm among the populace and reaffirmed the commitment to the peace process.
In contrast, Pal Mai Deng, SPLM-IO’s spokesman, suggested that Machar’s arrest might signal a potential return to civil strife as it jeopardizes the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Nevertheless, the SPLM-IO has mitigated its language while still pressing for Machar’s release and for detained officials who allegedly incited rebellion.
The SPLM-IO’s call for Machar’s release was accompanied by a request for support from the African Union and the United Nations, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in resolving the current impasse. Following South Sudan’s 2011 independence and subsequent civil unrest, the peace deal signed in 2018 between Kiir and Machar has yet to see the effective implementation of its critical elements.
In summary, the situation in South Sudan remains tense as the government and opposition grapple with the implications of Riek Machar’s arrest. The government maintains that the peace agreement is secure, while the opposition calls for dialogue to prevent further escalation. The need for adherence to previously established peace agreements is paramount in achieving stability in the region.
Original Source: efe.com
