In South Sudan, the arrest of politicians allied with First Vice President Riek Machar has sparked fears of renewed conflict, linked to recent violence in Nasir. The situation threatens the fragile peace established post-2018, with experts warning of the potential collapse of stability in the region.
In South Sudan, fears of escalating conflict arise following the arrest of several politicians linked to First Vice President Riek Machar. Notably, Stephen Par Kuol, the Peacebuilding Minister and Secretary General of the National Transitional Committee, was detained by the National Security Service, sparking concerns for the fragile peace established post-2018. Reports have also identified other prominent figures, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Head Gabriel Duop Lam, among those arrested without clear explanations being provided.
The arrests followed intense fighting in Nasir between state forces and the Nuer ethnic group’s militia known as the White Army, who previously fought alongside Machar during South Sudan’s five-year civil war. The conflict led to immense suffering, with hundreds of thousands dead and over 2.5 million displaced. These arrests have raised alarms regarding the stability of the peace agreement.
Despite government reassurances that conflict is not imminent, Daniel Akech Thiong from the International Crisis Group warns that the situation is precarious. He stated that South Sudan’s fragile peace is “at risk of collapsing” if tensions continue to escalate without resolution efforts from the involved parties. The ongoing political instability casts doubt on the country’s ability to maintain peace in the face of historical grievances and ongoing violence.
The recent political arrests in South Sudan signal a worrying trend that threatens the fragile peace established after years of civil war. With prominent leaders arrested amidst rising tensions, the possibility of renewed conflict looms. Experts underscore the need for immediate dialogue and intervention to prevent further destabilization in a country already grappling with profound challenges since its independence.
Original Source: www.okayafrica.com
