South Sudan’s fragile peace deal faces new threats following the arrests of key allies of Vice-President Riek Machar amid increasing conflicts. The situation highlights growing tensions within the unity government, initiated as part of a power-sharing agreement that ended a five-year civil war. International calls for restraint and an emphasis on dialogue have arisen to prevent a resurgence of violence.
Recent arrests of key allies of South Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam, have raised concerns over the fragile peace deal in the country. These arrests come amid escalating tensions and violent clashes between government forces and rebels in the Upper Nile State, raising fears of the potential collapse of the existing power-sharing agreement established in 2018, which ended a five-year civil war between President Salva Kiir and Machar.
Minister of Information Michael Makuei Lueth has reported ongoing fighting and claimed that Machar’s political movement, the SPLM-IO, is allied with the rebel group known as the White Army, linked to the Nuer ethnic community. Following the attacks, Machar’s home was surrounded by government forces. “At two in the morning, the honourable Puot Kang Chol, several family members and his bodyguards were arrested at his Juba residence,” said spokesperson Sirir Gabriel Yiei Ruot. This act without legal justification has drawn condemnation from SPLM-IO.
The ongoing civil conflict, which commenced in 2013 just two years post-independence from Sudan, has resulted in around 400,000 fatalities. Much of the peace deal remains unimplemented, including the drafting of a constitution and the unification of armed forces. Machar’s spokesperson emphasized the arrests undermine the peace agreement and called for international intervention to prevent a resurgence of violence, stating, “This act puts the entire agreement at risk.”
The United Nations has highlighted an increase in armed clashes, with reports of heavy weapons usage leading to casualties. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) expressed concern that these conflicts threaten the peace gains and worsen the humanitarian crisis. Political maneuvers by President Kiir, including sacking key positions without consultation, have been interpreted as efforts to consolidate power over Machar.
In response to the escalating tensions, several embassies, including those of the US, UK, and EU, have urged restraint among the parties involved in the conflict. They collectively called for immediate cessation of hostilities and emphasized the necessity for Juba’s leaders to prioritize peaceful dialogue and the pressing needs of the South Sudanese population. Political analyst Abraham Kuol Nyuon warned that South Sudan is on the verge of renewed conflict due to leaders’ failure to engage in constructive dialogue and consider the welfare of the populace.
The arrest of key political figures in South Sudan has elevated concerns regarding the stability of the country’s fragile peace agreement. With violent clashes ongoing and political maneuvering apparent, there is a critical need for international intervention and dialogue among leadership to avert a return to widespread conflict. The situation embodies the ongoing challenges faced in adhering to the 2018 power-sharing terms that were meant to foster peace and unity in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
