The SPLM-IO has expressed serious concern over heavy security around Dr. Riek Machar’s residence, following tensions after the arrest of Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam and other SPLM-IO officials. This situation raises fears of undermining the fragile peace process established by the 2018 revitalized agreement amidst ongoing conflicts and calls for urgent de-escalation from opposition leaders.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) raised concerns over the significant deployment of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) around Dr. Riek Machar’s residence. This follows challenges to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), particularly regarding the unification of armed groups into a national army.
President Salva Kiir leads the ruling SPLM, with Dr. Machar representing the SPLM-IO opposition. The heightened security measures come after the arrest of Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, a prominent official within the Joint Defence Board (JDB) of the SSPDF and SPLA-IO.
SPLM-IO Spokesperson Pal Mai Deng condemned Gen. Lam’s detention by Gen. Paul Nang, Chief of Defence Forces of the SSPDF. Deng stated this action breaches the revitalized agreement and jeopardizes the JDB’s operation, calling for immediate release of Gen. Lam and urging de-escalation of tensions.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, reported that government forces, including the elite Tiger Division, have cordoned off Dr. Machar’s residence, causing public anxiety and threatening the tenuous peace process. Eyewitnesses also noted a significant rise in security personnel in the Amarat neighborhood where Machar lives.
A senior official revealed that detained SPLM-IO officers include Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam and Lt. Gen. Wesley Welebe. Their arrests are tied to conflicts between the SSPDF and the White Army in Nasir. This situation follows a high-level meeting to discuss escalating insecurity in regions like Nasir and Western Equatoria, attended by prominent political figures including Dr. Machar.
The SPLM-IO is alarmed by escalated security around Dr. Riek Machar’s residence, linked to recent arrests of SPLM-IO officials under contentious circumstances. With tensions rising, the SPLM-IO stresses the need for adherence to peace agreements and immediate actions for de-escalation. These developments highlight the precarious state of South Sudan’s peace process and the critical need for dialogue among leadership.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
