Prominent South Sudanese opposition lawmaker Gatwech Lam Puoch was arrested by the NSS in Juba. His detention is likely linked to his political activities and ongoing tensions between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. This event highlights concerns regarding the 2018 peace agreement’s stability.
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 afternoon. He represents Nasir County in Parliament and was taken from his home in the Thonypiny neighborhood by the National Security Service (NSS). He is currently detained at the Blue House, a known NSS detention facility.
Puok Both Baluang, the press secretary to First Vice President Riek Machar, confirmed Mr. Gatwech’s arrest but did not provide further information. As a key figure in the SPLM-IO, Gatwech’s detainment is viewed in the context of increasing political tensions between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those supporting Machar.
This incident follows violent clashes in Nasir last week, resulting in casualties, including an SSPDF commander. The conflict has led to a broader crackdown by President Kiir’s government against supporters of Machar, which includes the arrest of the petroleum minister and various senior military figures.
Gatwech’s arrest may be related to his recent political stances, particularly his participation in a call for the suspension of SSPDF deployments to Nasir, advocating for community consultation prior to military interventions. These actions have raised concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement, which brought an end to a five-year civil war, establishing a unity government aimed at facilitating elections.
In related news, security around Riek Machar’s residence has intensified, with approximately 42 NSS personnel deployed there. Although some speculate this may be in connection with the burial of Majur Dak, an SSPDF commander killed in the recent violence, no official reasons for the heightened security have been disclosed.
The arrest of Gatwech Lam indicates increasing political tensions in South Sudan as divisions escalate between supporters of President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Such developments threaten the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, which aimed for a stable government and elections. The situation warrants close monitoring due to its implications for national security and political stability.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
