The National Security Service has arrested Honourable Stephen Par Kuol along with other senior officials linked to Machar amidst ongoing conflict in Upper Nile State. This follows accusations from the government regarding collaboration with the White Army, a militia associated with Machar’s ethnic group. Analysts warn that this escalation might provoke further attacks on government installations as insecurity mounts in South Sudan.
The National Security Service has recently apprehended Honourable Stephen Par Kuol from his office, as reported by Puok Both Baluang, spokesperson for Machar. This incident follows the earlier arrests of several high-ranking officials, including the Petroleum Minister and the Deputy Head of the Army, linked to Machar’s faction. These arrests occurred amid ongoing clashes in northern Upper Nile State involving national forces and the White Army militia, which consists primarily of Nuer fighters, Machar’s ethnic group.
The government has not publicly addressed these arrests; however, Information Minister Michael Makuei has accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the White Army in an attack on a military garrison near Nasir earlier this week. The White Army previously fought alongside Machar during the 2013-2018 civil war against predominantly ethnic Dinka troops supporting President Kiir. The civil conflict led to around 400,000 deaths and displaced 2.5 million people shortly after South Sudan gained independence from Sudan.
Although a peace agreement reached in 2018 has generally stopped direct confrontations between the Kiir and Machar factions, periodic violence persists, exacerbated by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has facilitated armed groups’ access to weaponry. Kuol, serving as the Peacebuilding Minister, was a significant participant in the 2018 peace negotiations.
In a Thursday statement, church leaders expressed concern over the growing insecurity and political tensions threatening peace, urging for dialogue. Daniel Akech Thiong, a senior analyst from the International Crisis Group, noted the recent arrests signal a dangerous escalation, which may provoke armed opposition groups to retaliate against government installations in the Upper Nile and Jonglei states. Last year, the government delayed national elections intended for December 2026, citing the necessity for more preparation time.
Recent arrests of senior political and military figures in South Sudan have intensified tensions and raised concerns among church leaders and analysts. The historical context of the ongoing conflict and the implications of these arrests suggest a precarious situation, potentially leading to increased violence in the region. The call for dialogue highlights the critical need for political resolution amidst these escalating tensions.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
