Gatwech Lam Puoch, a South Sudanese lawmaker and member of the SPLM-IO, was arrested by the National Security Service in Juba. His detention at the NSS’s Blue House is linked to escalating political tensions and violence in the country. Recent military deployments and increased security around Machar’s residence further indicate a potentially unstable political climate post-arrest.
Gatwech Lam Puoch, a prominent South Sudanese opposition lawmaker and senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), was arrested in Juba on Tuesday. He represents Nasir County in Parliament. The National Security Service (NSS) apprehended him at his residence in Thonypiny, and he is currently detained at the NSS’s Blue House, a well-known detention center.
Puok Both Baluang, press secretary for First Vice President Riek Machar, confirmed the arrest but did not provide further details. Mr. Gatwech is a significant figure in the SPLM-IO, the party led by Machar, who serves as the first vice president under the power-sharing agreement from 2018. His arrest comes amid escalating tensions between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those aligned with Machar.
Recent violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State, which led to multiple fatalities, including a commander from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), has intensified government crackdowns, targeting Machar’s allies. This includes the detention of the petroleum minister and several senior military figures linked to Machar.
Mr. Gatwech’s arrest appears tied to his recent political activities, particularly a call made on February 20 for suspending SSPDF deployments in Nasir. Lawmakers argued for local consultation before military actions in their communities, signaling concerns over the stability of the existing 2018 peace agreement, which aimed to establish a unity government and electoral roadmap, yet has exhibited slow progress.
In related news, security forces have been reinforced around First Vice President Riek Machar’s residence, with about 42 NSS personnel mobilized there. The reasons behind this deployment are unclear, although speculation suggests a connection to the burial of an SSPDF commander recently killed in Nasir’s clashes. No official statement has clarified the purpose of this bolstered security presence.
The arrest of Gatwech Lam Puoch underscores the rising political tensions in South Sudan, particularly between the factions aligned with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. This incident raises concerns about the integrity of the 2018 peace agreement amidst recent violence and ongoing government crackdowns. Monitoring these developments will be crucial to understanding the shifting political landscape in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
