South Sudan has detained key officials, including the petroleum minister, raising fears of a resurgence in conflict and threatening a fragile peace agreement amid ongoing violence in Nasir.
South Sudan has detained the petroleum minister and several high-ranking military personnel allied with First Vice President Riek Machar, raising concerns about the stability of a peace agreement that concluded years of civil conflict. The arrests occurred amid escalating violence in Nasir, where national forces clashed with the White Army militia, primarily composed of Nuer fighters, Machar’s ethnic group, which had previously allied with Machar during the civil war.
Key figures arrested include Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, a Nasir native, and Army Deputy Head Gabriel Doup Lam, with other military officials currently under house arrest. Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, stated that no reasons have been given for their detention. Despite increased military presence around Machar’s residence, he was able to attend his office on the same day of the arrests.
Michael Makuei, the government’s information minister, has not commented on the situation but is expected to hold a press conference later. The South Sudanese civil war, which erupted after the country gained independence from Sudan, resulted in significant casualties and displacement, straining the nation’s resources and governance.
The 2018 peace deal has largely maintained a fragile truce between Machar’s and President Salva Kiir’s forces, though local skirmishes continue. Recent calls by the African Union and UN peacekeeping missions emphasized the need for de-escalation in Upper Nile State amidst fears of potential widespread violence.
Ter Manyang, head of the Center for Peace and Advocacy in Juba, warned that the nation risks descending back into conflict unless top leaders effectively manage the escalating hostilities.
The abrupt detention of South Sudan’s petroleum minister and military leaders linked to Riek Machar disrupts a fragile peace agreement and raises alarm over the potential resurgence of civil conflict. The arrests reflect ongoing tensions and recent violence in Nasir, indicating the need for careful management by South Sudan’s leadership to maintain stability and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
