The arrest of SPLM-IO General Gabriel Duop Lam and other officials has been deemed a violation of South Sudan’s peace deal, raising fears of renewed conflict. The situation reflects deepening political tensions as leaders call for stability and concern over upcoming elections in 2026.
The recent arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam, an army general from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), has been labeled a “grave violation” of South Sudan’s peace deal, according to a spokesperson for the opposition. Alongside Lam, other senior SPLM-IO officials were also apprehended, raising concerns over their safety and the stability of the peace agreement that ended a five-year civil conflict.
Vice-President Riek Machar’s allies, including the Oil Minister, were detained, prompting Machar’s spokesperson Puok Both Baluang to express the need for political will to prevent further violence in the nation. The spokesperson highlighted the opposition’s uncertainty regarding the detainees’ whereabouts and urged for peaceful cooperation.
Despite the arrests sparked by alleged legal conflicts, President Salva Kiir reassured the public that South Sudan will not revert to war. Makuei emphasized that the actions taken against the opposition members are within the legal framework, dismissing notions of war revival.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with internal conflicts, leading to a civil war. A peace deal in 2018 aimed at reconciliation has faced numerous challenges. General Lam, responsible for the military aspects of the SPLM-IO, was taken into custody as political tensions rise.
The crackdown follows conflict reports between government troops and the White Army militia, once allied with Machar. Allegations have emerged claiming that Machar’s network is supporting rebel factions, further complicating the situation. Observers warn that escalating violence could jeopardize the fragile peace agreement, with experts stressing the need for effective leadership to diffuse tensions.
With no elections yet held since independence, the prospect of elections scheduled for 2026 marks a critical juncture for South Sudan. The ongoing unrest poses a potential barrier to achieving stability and governance in the nation.
The arrests of General Lam and other SPLM-IO officials signal serious tensions in South Sudan’s political landscape, jeopardizing the hard-won peace agreement. With leaders calling for restraint and cooperation, the risk of escalating violence looms large. Future elections in 2026 could be impacted if current conflicts are not effectively managed, highlighting the urgent need for proactive governance and dialogue among all parties involved.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
