South Sudan’s Vice President Riek Machar has been arrested, raising tensions while both sides express a desire to uphold the fragile 2018 peace deal. The opposition demands his release and calls for adherence to peace agreements, warning of escalating conflict. Calls for international support to resolve the crisis are made by opposition leaders.
South Sudan’s government accused Vice President Riek Machar of conspiracy, escalating tensions as his opposition party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), demanded his immediate release. There is a shared reluctance to break the fragile peace deal established in 2018, despite the crisis.
Machar was detained following accusations that he was in contact with SPLM-IO leaders and military figures since early March. However, the government reassured the public that there is no immediate threat of war. Information Minister Michael Makuei affirmed that the peace agreement remains intact and will continue to be upheld.
In a call for unity, Peace Minister Stephen Par Kuol urged all signatories of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement to respect the permanent ceasefire and the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. He emphasized that sustainable peace can only be achieved through adherence to these agreements, urging the public to remain calm.
The SPLM-IO, through its spokesman Pal Mai Deng, stated that Machar’s arrest could signal the end of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and risk pushing South Sudan toward civil war. Despite this, the armed opposition moderated its tone, reiterating the demand for Machar and other detained officials to be released in order to foster dialogue and stability.
The opposition called on both the African Union and the United Nations to facilitate discussions to resolve the current crisis. South Sudan’s independence in 2011 led to a prolonged conflict between 2013 and 2018, resulting in 400,000 deaths. The 2018 peace deal aimed to establish a power-sharing agreement, but key aspects remain unimplemented.
The situation in South Sudan remains tense with the recent arrest of Vice President Riek Machar, while both the government and opposition express a desire to maintain the fragile 2018 peace accord. Calls for adherence to peace agreements and the release of detained officials may provide a pathway to de-escalation. The international community’s involvement is deemed crucial in facilitating dialogue to prevent potential resumption of conflict.
Original Source: efe.com
