The arrest of Lieutenant General Gabriel Doup Lam by South Sudan’s military and the deployment of troops around First Vice President Riek Machar’s residence have raised alarms about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. These actions violate key aspects of the agreement and may undermine trust between the factions, raising fears of renewed conflict in the region.
Recent developments in South Sudan have raised concerns regarding the fragility of the peace established by the 2018 agreement, which ended a protracted civil conflict. A senior military official affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar, Lieutenant General Gabriel Doup Lam, has been arrested by his commanding officer, General Paul Nang. This event occurred alongside a significant military presence surrounding Machar’s residence, as confirmed by his spokesperson, Pal Mai Deng, in an official statement.
Deng stated that the actions taken by the security forces violate the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, undermining the Joint Defence Board—an essential body for the command and control of military forces established under the peace agreement. He expressed grave concern over the aggressive military deployment around Machar’s residence, indicating that such actions jeopardize trust and confidence among the involved parties.
General Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the South Sudan army, declined to comment on either Lam’s arrest or the military presence around Machar’s home. Meanwhile, Information Minister Michael Makuei has not provided a response to inquiries regarding this situation. The country continues to grapple with challenges stemming from its past civil war, which resulted in significant humanitarian crises and socioeconomic challenges, exacerbated by the ongoing tensions.
The arrest of Lieutenant General Gabriel Doup Lam and the military’s actions surrounding First Vice President Riek Machar’s residence pose substantial threats to the peace agreement established in 2018. Such developments may further increase volatility in a nation that has already endured significant turmoil. The international community should remain vigilant and engaged to support South Sudan in maintaining stability and fostering confidence among its leaders.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
