Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, South Sudan’s Minister of Peacebuilding, was arrested in a crackdown targeting allies of First Vice President Riek Machar. Following the arrests of additional officials, there are rising concerns about the stability of the peace agreement with President Salva Kiir. Escalating conflicts in Upper Nile State and recent political moves by Kiir underline the fragility of the unity government.
On Thursday, South Sudan’s Minister of Peacebuilding, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested, marking the latest action in a series of detentions of leaders associated with First Vice President Riek Machar. This incident was reported by Machar’s press secretary, Puok Both Baluang, via social media, emphasizing the ongoing crackdown by the National Security Service.
Kuol’s detention follows recent arrests of the oil minister and the deputy head of the army, both of whom share affiliations with Machar and are senior figures within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO). These developments collectively raise concerns regarding the stability of the peace agreement established between President Salva Kiir and Machar.
Since emerging as the newest nation in the world, South Sudan has been under pressure following the conclusion of a five-year civil war through a power-sharing agreement in 2018. Current escalating tensions threaten the integrity of their unity government, particularly amid violent confrontations in Upper Nile State, where clashes reportedly involve government forces and Machar’s supporters.
The United Nations has raised alarms concerning the conflict in Upper Nile State, citing the application of heavy weaponry and resulting fatalities. To address the escalating violence, regional nations alongside Western embassies have jointly urged a cessation of fighting.
The statement from embassies, including those of the United States, Britain, and the European Union, emphasized that leaders in Juba must prioritize peaceful dialogue and the welfare of the South Sudanese populace. Criticism has also surfaced regarding President Kiir’s recent political maneuvers, perceived by analysts as strategies to reinforce his authority while sidelining Machar’s faction, as exemplified by his recent dismissal of two vice presidents and the governor of Western Equatoria State without prior consultation.
The series of arrests in South Sudan, including that of Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, poses significant threats to the fragile peace established post-civil war between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Growing tensions, particularly in Upper Nile State, alongside political actions viewed as consolidating power further jeopardize the unity government. It remains essential for South Sudanese leaders to pursue dialogue and prioritize the interests of their citizens to maintain peace and stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
