South Sudan’s recent arrests of key officials, including a minister and lieutenant general, indicate escalating tensions within its power-sharing government, amidst fears of violence following ethnic conflicts. These actions threaten the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, which has yet to be fully realized. President Kiir vows to maintain stability despite the turmoil.
On March 5, 2025, South Sudan saw a significant crackdown with the arrests of several senior officials, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and three prominent politicians from the SPLM-IO party. These arrests were executed by the National Security Service and occurred in the capital, Juba. According to the ministry’s statement, Chol was detained along with family members and bodyguards at his residence.
The arrests followed the capture of Lieutenant General Gabriel Doup Lam, a supporter of Vice President Riek Machar, by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF). This operation raised concerns as it occurred just hours before troops surrounded Machar’s residence, escalating tensions within the power-sharing government. Machar’s spokesperson voiced grievances against this detention, emphasizing its violation of the 2018 peace agreement.
No official motives for the arrests have been disclosed, but speculation points to ongoing violence in the Upper Nile state, where ethnic Nuer rebels have engaged in conflict with government forces. The SSPDF has accused General Lam of collaborating with these rebels, raising alarms over the stability of the region.
Historically, South Sudan has endured severe violence since its civil war began in December 2013, resulting in tremendous human and socio-economic tolls, including approximately 400,000 deaths. Though a 2018 peace deal halted some of the aggression, the political landscape remains tenuous, with elections postponed due to funding issues. Following the recent arrests, President Kiir assured that the country would not return to conflict.
The recent arrests of South Sudanese officials signal a deteriorating political landscape and highlight tensions within the power-sharing government. The implications for the fragile peace established in 2018 raise concerns over renewed violence amidst ongoing ethnic conflicts. The government’s stability is critical for the nation’s future, as it grapples with the legacy of civil war and socio-economic challenges.
Original Source: www.dw.com
