South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister was arrested, following similar detentions of allies of Riek Machar. These actions have heightened fears of destabilizing the fragile peace agreement established in 2018. The United Nations and Western embassies call for an end to hostilities as political moves by President Kiir receive criticism for potentially sidelining Machar.
South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, has been arrested by the National Security Service (NSS), marking the latest instance in a series of detentions targeting allies of First Vice President Riek Machar. This event follows the arrests of the oil minister and the deputy head of the army, who are also aligned with Machar and prominent figures in his political party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).
The recent string of arrests has raised significant concern regarding the stability of the peace agreement established between President Salva Kiir and Machar, which had been put in place to end the five-year civil conflict in South Sudan in 2018. Observers warn that these actions threaten the unity of the government amid escalating violent confrontations in Upper Nile State, where government forces are reportedly engaged in conflicts with Machar’s rebel factions.
The United Nations has issued warnings about the increasing violence in Upper Nile, noting the deployment of heavy weaponry and resulting fatalities. In response to the ongoing situation, regional governments and Western embassies have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Statements from diplomatic entities, including the United States, Britain, and the European Union, have urged that leaders in Juba prioritize peaceful dialogue that serves the interests of the South Sudanese populace.
Critics have flagged the political maneuvers by President Kiir, which they argue are designed to fortify his authority and diminish Machar’s influence. Recent actions include the dismissal of two vice presidents and the removal of a Machar-affiliated governor without proper consultation with other political stakeholders.
In summary, South Sudan faces escalating political tensions as arrests of key figures allied with Riek Machar raise alarms about the fragile peace process. The situation underscores the ongoing instability since the 2018 power-sharing arrangement and highlights the urgent need for dialogue to prevent further violence. Diplomatic calls for peace reinforce the need for all leaders to prioritize the nation’s stability over political gains.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
