The arrest of South Sudan’s oil minister and an army general has raised concerns about the stability of the peace deal that ended the civil war. These figures are allies of Vice-President Riek Machar, with implications that the arrests may jeopardize the agreement. The tensions in the country are exacerbated by the actions of militias and the ongoing political struggles. The international community is urged to intervene to maintain peace.
Security forces in South Sudan have detained Gabriel Doup Lam, the oil minister, and Gen Puot Kang Chol, creating apprehensions regarding the peace deal established post-civil war. Both are prominent members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and affiliates of Vice-President Riek Machar, who is known for his rivalry with President Salva Kiir. The rationale behind their arrests remains unclear as the government has not provided any explanations.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has faced significant turmoil. A civil war erupted in 2013, resulting from escalating tensions between President Kiir and Machar. The protracted conflict claimed approximately 400,000 lives and displaced 2.5 million people. A peace agreement was finally reached in 2018, though challenges have persisted consistently thereafter.
Despite these incidents and a rising atmosphere of tension, a government spokesperson affirmed President Kiir’s commitment to maintaining peace, asserting that the nation would not relapse into war. Gen Lam, as head of the armed wing of SPLA-IO, was taken into custody on a Tuesday, while Chol was arrested during nighttime by security forces. Additionally, military officials loyal to Machar have reportedly been placed under house arrest.
Machar’s spokesperson noted that Gen Lam’s detention breaches the existing peace accord, endangering the agreement’s sustainability, and called for international intervention. These arrests coincide with reports that the White Army militia has overtaken a crucial town in Upper Nile state. These militia members, who supported Machar during the civil war, have prompted fears that violence may escalate further.
The UN and African Union have alerted about the growing unrest that could escalate in this region. Ter Manyang, from the Center for Peace and Advocacy in Juba, warned that without effective leadership intervention, South Sudan risks slipping back into war. This situation is critical as the country is yet to hold elections, now scheduled for 2026 after delays.
The recent arrests of high-ranking opposition leaders in South Sudan have raised significant concerns regarding the peace deal established after years of civil conflict. Without clear government communication or intervention from the international community, the stability of South Sudan remains fragile, with potential violence threatening to disrupt the hard-won peace. Continued vigilance and leadership are crucial for averting further conflict as elections approach.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
