A political crisis in South Sudan has unfolded with the arrests of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Lieutenant General Gabriel Doup Lam. These actions indicate heightened tensions within the power-sharing government and risks of a coup. The backdrop includes a recent surge in violence involving ethnic Nuer rebels, raising concerns over the integrity of the 2018 peace agreement.
In South Sudan, a significant political turmoil has erupted following the arrest of several senior officials, including Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chol and a lieutenant general allied with Vice President Riek Machar. This targeted action has raised concerns about a possible coup within the power-sharing government. The arrests were carried out by the National Security Service at Chol’s residence in Juba, the capital, as stated by the ministry’s press secretary.
The crackdown coincided with the detention of Lieutenant General Gabriel Doup Lam by troops from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), who are loyal to President Salva Kiir. His arrest has been described by Machar’s spokesperson as a violation of the 2018 peace agreement intended to stabilize the governance structure after years of civil strife. The spokesperson cautioned that such actions jeopardize the fragile accord that aims to ensure peace following five years of conflict.
Observers suggest that the underlying reasons for these arrests may relate to recent violence in Upper Nile state, where ethnic Nuer rebels have confronted government forces. The SSPDF has accused General Duop Lam, a Nuer, of collaborating with these rebels. The escalating violence, which has included heavy weaponry, has raised alarms regarding civilian safety, as reported by the UN Mission in South Sudan last month.
With the backdrop of a civil war that began in December 2013, resulting in approximately 400,000 deaths and immense displacement, the stability of South Sudan remains tenuous. Although a peace deal was established in 2018 to quell hostilities, full implementation has yet to be achieved, with postponed elections and persistent poverty exacerbating the situation. Following the arrests, President Kiir expressed his commitment to preventing a return to war, according to a government spokesman.
In summary, the recent arrests of high-profile officials in South Sudan underscore the ongoing political instability and tensions within the power-sharing government. The actions reflect deeper issues related to ethnic conflicts and the fragility of the peace agreement established in 2018. With a history marked by violence and humanitarian crises, the country’s prospects for stability remain uncertain, despite assurances from the government leadership.
Original Source: www.dw.com
