South Sudan has detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several military officials associated with Vice President Riek Machar, raising concerns about the peace agreement established in 2018. The ongoing tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir indicate a fragile political environment, with military deployments around Machar’s residence heightening anxiety around the situation.
South Sudan has recently detained its Petroleum Minister, Puot Kang Chol, along with several military officials affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar. This action raises concerns regarding the stability of the peace agreement established in 2018, which concluded a devastating five-year civil conflict between Machar and President Salva Kiir, resulting in numerous fatalities.
The country established a formal peace between the two leaders in 2018, yet their relationship remains fraught, and instances of violence among competing communities continue to occur. Recent developments have heightened tensions, as South Sudanese armed forces have been deployed around Machar’s residence following these arrests.
Puok Both Baluang, Machar’s spokesperson, reported that the detained officials have not been provided with justification for their arrests, adding to the anxiety surrounding the situation. Notably, while security forces surrounded Machar’s residence, he was still permitted to travel to his office on Wednesday morning, indicating a delicate balance in the current political climate.
Additional reports outlined a reshuffling in the cabinet, with Kiir replacing the presidential affairs minister, amidst growing concerns regarding health and safety protocols surrounding the president.
The detention of South Sudan’s Petroleum Minister and military officials allied with Vice President Machar could pose a significant threat to the peace deal that ended years of civil strife. Despite a formal peace agreement in place since 2018, the ongoing tensions between the leaders highlight the fragility of the political landscape in South Sudan. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for the country’s stability and governance.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
