South Sudan has arrested allies of Vice-President Riek Machar amidst rising tensions that threaten the peace agreement. Key figures, including the oil minister and deputy army chief, were detained following violent clashes in Upper Nile State, prompting fears of renewed conflict. The international community has called for restraint and dialogue to preserve peace in the nation.
Recent tensions in South Sudan have led to the arrest of key allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar, raising concerns about the stability of the country’s fragile peace agreement. The arrests include Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and deputy army chief General Gabriel Duop Lam, following violent clashes between government forces and rebels supported by Machar in the Upper Nile State.
The conflict arose after rebels reportedly overran a government garrison, prompting accusations from Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth that Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) is collaborating with an armed group known as the White Army. Machar’s residence was also reportedly surrounded by military forces, sparking fears of escalating violence.
The SPLM-IO condemned the arrests, highlighting them as violations of the peace deal, and called for international intervention. The ongoing civil conflict, which has cost approximately 400,000 lives since it began in 2013, continues to hinder the fulfillment of the peace agreement, which includes creating a constitution and holding elections.
The United Nations has reported increasing violence in Upper Nile State, urging restraint to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Regional bloc IGAD expressed concern that recent clashes could undermine progress made in the peace agreement. Diplomatic entities from the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union have joined calls for immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue among South Sudanese leaders to prioritize the interests of their citizens.
Political analysts note that recent actions by President Salva Kiir may be attempts to consolidate power against Machar, contributing to fears of renewed warfare. Abraham Kuol Nyuon from the University of Juba warned about the aggressive political climate, stressing the need for dialogue to avoid reverting to conflict.
The recent arrests in South Sudan have raised significant concerns regarding the stability of the peace agreement established to end years of civil war. As tensions escalate, the need for international support and a commitment to dialogue among leaders is critical to prevent a return to widespread violence and to safeguard the nation’s fragile peace.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
