South Sudan has witnessed the arrest of two key allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar as tensions rise, threatening the fragile peace established in 2018. Ongoing clashes in Upper Nile State have exacerbated fears of renewed conflict, prompting calls for international intervention and restraint from the United Nations and regional bodies.
The recent arrest of South Sudan’s oil minister and deputy army chief, both affiliates of First Vice-President Riek Machar, has raised alarm regarding the stability of the country’s fragile peace agreement. Since the conclusion of a five-year civil war in 2018, which resulted in a power-sharing deal between President Salva Kiir and Machar, tensions have escalated, particularly in Upper Nile State where violent confrontations have occurred between government forces and Machar’s backed rebels.
Minister of Information Michael Makuei Lueth reported that a government garrison was attacked by these rebels, asserting that Machar’s faction, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), has allied with the militia group known as the White Army. Subsequent to the uprising, both Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam were arrested. The presence of military forces around Machar’s residence further signifies the escalating tensions.
The SPLM-IO has publicly denounced the arrests, highlighting their nature as violations of the peace agreement. A spokesperson urged international partners to intervene promptly to prevent a potential resurgence of conflict, emphasizing that these actions jeopardize the existing resolution framework.
Amidst a looming humanitarian crisis and unfulfilled conditions of the peace accord—such as drafting a constitution and unifying armed forces—the United Nations has raised concerns about the rising violent encounters involving heavy weaponry.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) also expressed apprehension that ongoing clashes could undermine peace efforts while worsening the humanitarian situation. Meanwhile, the international community, including embassies from the United States and United Kingdom, reiterated the need for restraint and a commitment to peaceful negotiations in order to prioritize the welfare of the South Sudanese populace.
Recent political maneuvers by President Kiir, including dismissing two vice-presidents without consultation, have intensified fears of a return to open conflict. Analysts warn that the aggressive political climate lacks meaningful dialogue and could lead South Sudan back towards warfare.
In a notable statement, Abraham Kuol Nyuon, a political science associate professor at the University of Juba, remarked upon the aggressive posturing of the nation’s leaders, stating that such behavior could precipitate the nation’s descent into conflict once more.
The recent arrests of key officials in South Sudan highlight the precarious nature of the nation’s peace agreement, which is already threatened by ongoing violence and political maneuvers. The international community has called for immediate calm and emphasizes the necessity of dialogue among South Sudan’s leaders. Failure to address these tensions could result in a devastating return to civil conflict, undermining any progress made since the peace agreement of 2018.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
