Tensions in Juba have risen after the arrest of four SPLM-IO military officers. These detentions are linked to recent conflicts in Upper Nile State. Concerns arise about the implications for South Sudan’s fragile peace process, calling for the release of the officers to avoid further destabilization and promote development.
Tensions have increased in Juba, South Sudan, following the arrest of four senior military officers from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) at the army headquarters. A senior SPLM-IO official disclosed the identities of the detained personnel, which include Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, the Deputy Chief of the Defense Forces for Operation, and Lt Gen Wesley Welebe. The arrests are linked to recent clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, involving the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and local armed youth.
The situation in Juba remains tense, despite an SPLM-IO leadership meeting on Monday that aimed to address ongoing conflicts in Nasir and surrounding regions. Further complicating the situation, the official noted persistent tensions in areas where SPLM-IO forces are deployed, such as Abyei, Twic, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, and Nasir. These forces have been stationed in these regions for over a decade, leading to strained relations between local residents and military personnel.
The official stated, “There are conflicts and problems between the residents and the forces. Sometimes, they fight at home. The residents and the armed forces are unable to unite because there are no unified forces.” In light of the arrests, Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, urged President Salva Kiir to release the detained officers, emphasizing that their prolonged detention could undermine the fragile peace in South Sudan.
Gatwech expressed his concerns during an interview with Radio Tamazuj, noting, “The Centre for Peace and Advocacy appeals to the President of the Republic and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Salva Kiir Mayardit, to release Gen Duop Lam, who was arrested… along with his bodyguard.” He linked the arrests to the involvement of the youth militia group, White Army, which recently captured Nasir, warning of potential escalations and detrimental effects on South Sudan’s international reputation. Gatwech added, “People are tired of war; we need to talk about development. People cannot go on doing bad things always.”
Amid these developments, there are increasing worries regarding the stability of South Sudan’s peace process, with fears that unaddressed issues could lead to further deterioration of the situation.
In summary, tensions in Juba have heightened following the arrest of four senior SPLM-IO military officers, which is linked to regional clashes involving youth militias. The unrest highlights ongoing conflicts between local residents and armed forces stationed in various regions. Advocacy for the release of the detained officers underscores concerns over the fragility of South Sudan’s peace process, suggesting that immediate action is necessary to prevent further escalation and damage to the country’s reputation.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
