South Sudan has detained its Petroleum Minister and several military officials connected to Riek Machar, raising concerns over the stability of the peace deal that ended the civil war. This follows escalating violence in Nasir town. Experts fear the nation may plunge back into conflict unless effectively managed by its leadership.
South Sudanese forces have detained the Petroleum Minister, Puot Kang Chol, along with several senior military officials connected to First Vice President Riek Machar, as announced by Machar’s spokesperson. This development raises concerns about the stability of the peace agreement that ended the civil war. The arrests occurred amidst escalating conflict in the strategic northern town of Nasir between national forces and the White Army militia, primarily composed of Machar’s ethnic group, Nuer.
The detained officials include the deputy army chief, Gabriel Doup Lam, while others allied with Machar are currently under house arrest. Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, remarked that no explanations have been provided for these arrests. Although South Sudanese troops have been mobilized around Machar’s residence, he was still able to attend his office on a Wednesday morning.
The civil war, which erupted shortly after South Sudan’s independence, has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, with estimates of 400,000 fatalities and 2.5 million displaced persons. The peace deal of 2018 has mostly quelled outright fighting, yet violence remains a regular occurrence. Recently, international bodies have called for de-escalation in Upper Nile State due to fears of renewed violence.
Experts like Ter Manyang, from the Center for Peace and Advocacy in Juba, warn that unless the leadership addresses the current situation effectively, South Sudan risks slipping back into war.
The detainment of South Sudan’s Petroleum Minister and military officials allied with Riek Machar presents a serious threat to the fragile peace established after years of civil conflict. As local skirmishes intensify and international calls for de-escalation grow louder, the situation remains precarious. The leadership must respond decisively to prevent further deterioration of peace and stability in the nation.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
