South Sudan’s government has detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several military officials tied to First Vice President Riek Machar, raising concerns over the stability of a peace deal that ended civil war. The arrests correspond with recent violent conflicts in Nasir. Observers warn of the risk of renewed warfare if the situation is not managed appropriately.
South Sudan has detained key figures including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several military officials aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar. This development poses a significant threat to the fragile peace deal that concluded the civil war. The arrests came amid recent violent clashes in Nasir between national forces and the White Army militia, which primarily consists of Nuer, Machar’s ethnic group, and previously fought alongside Machar in the civil war from 2013 to 2018.
The detained military officials have not been given reasons for their arrest, as stated by Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang. Meanwhile, South Sudanese troops have been deployed near Machar’s residence, although he was able to access his office on Wednesday. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei has not provided immediate comments but has indicated plans for a press briefing on the matter.
The civil war in South Sudan resulted in about 400,000 fatalities and displaced 2.5 million individuals after the country gained independence from Sudan. Though a peace agreement in 2018 has generally maintained peace, localized violence continues. Recently, both the African Union and the UN peacekeeping mission urged de-escalation in the violence occurring in Upper Nile State, warning of potential widespread violence.
Ter Manyang, from the Center for Peace and Advocacy, associates the arrests with the ongoing conflict in Nasir and expresses concern over the potential for renewed war unless effectively managed by national leadership.
The arrests of high-ranking officials in South Sudan signal a potential destabilization of the existing peace agreement following years of civil conflict. As fighting continues in the region, the international community urges immediate action to prevent escalation into widespread violence. The situation remains tense, emphasizing the need for strategic leadership to navigate these challenges effectively.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
