The South Sudanese government has arrested key figures, including Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol and General Gabriel Duop Lam, allies of Vice-President Riek Machar. These arrests raise concerns regarding the stability of the peace agreement following the civil war. The actions have heightened tensions between President Salva Kiir and Machar, with potential implications for ongoing violence and humanitarian conditions in the country.
In South Sudan, tensions have escalated following the arrests of Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol and General Gabriel Duop Lam, both allies of Vice-President Riek Machar. General Lam, accused of supporting rebels in the Upper Nile state, was apprehended on Tuesday. This action, alongside the surrounding of Machar’s residence by South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), has raised alarms regarding the stability of the fragile peace agreement that was established post-civil war.
The power struggle between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Machar reignited fears of conflict, particularly given their rivalry which previously led to a devastating civil war from 2013 to 2018. Despite a power-sharing agreement designed to restore peace, critical components, such as the elections, remain postponed, creating uncertainty about the future of governance in South Sudan.
Machar’s spokesperson, Pal Mai Deng, stated that the arrest of General Lam directly contravened the peace deal and posed a serious threat to its viability. Furthermore, the heavy deployment of military forces around Machar’s residence has heightened concerns of potential unrest. The situation escalated with the subsequent arrest of Minister Chol, which his press secretary reported occurred during a National Security Service operation at his home.
Compounding the turmoil, the SSPDF has alleged that Duop Lam and his forces have been collaborating with White Army rebels from the Nuer ethnic community. Reports from the UN Mission in South Sudan indicate increasing violence in Upper Nile, with clashes leading to civilian casualties. Since gaining independence from Sudan, South Sudan continues to grapple with severe poverty and ongoing conflict.
The recent arrests of key figures in South Sudan’s government pose significant challenges to the already fragile peace agreement. The rivalry between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar not only threatens to destabilize governance but also raises serious humanitarian concerns amid ongoing violence. Continued vigilance and international support are essential to navigate the risks associated with these developments and uphold the peace process.
Original Source: www.newagebd.net
