The East African bloc IGAD has urged South Sudan to release detained officials and ease security measures to prevent rising tensions threatening peace. Arrests of officials allied with Vice-President Riek Machar have escalated concerns amid ongoing clashes. The government has accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with militia, while his party denies the allegations, indicating potential threats to the existing peace deal.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), comprising eight East African nations, has urged the South Sudanese government to release arrested officials and ease security constraints to prevent escalating factional tensions that threaten peace. South Sudan has been officially at peace since a 2018 deal ended a civil war, yet political relations between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar remain tense.
The recent detention of several officials, including a deputy military chief and two ministers aligned with Machar, has intensified concerns regarding the integrity of the peace deal following violent clashes around the northern town of Nasir. In light of these events, IGAD conducted a virtual summit to discuss the crisis in South Sudan.
IGAD’s executive secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, emphasized the need for the government to release detained officials unless there is substantial evidence for legal actions, which must be transparent and follow due process. The call also included restoring optimal security conditions across the nation.
South Sudan’s government has accused Machar’s forces of colluding with the White Army militia to attack military positions, escalating tensions through recent heavy confrontations. Despite these claims, Machar’s camp has refuted the allegations, pointing to a lack of credence in the accusations against them.
While some officials have been released, approximately 20 more remain detained, and Machar has been under heavy military presence near his residence. It was reported that another ally of Machar was arrested en route to parliament, indicating further crackdowns on opposition members.
The situation in South Sudan displays significant political tension, fueled by the arrests of officials allied with First Vice-President Riek Machar and accusations against his supporters. The call by IGAD for the release of detained personnel and the restoration of security measures highlights the urgent need for stability. The continuous friction between the government’s forces and Machar’s faction poses risks to the fragile peace established by the 2018 accord.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
