South Sudan’s security forces released Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol after he was detained alongside other officials. His release follows arrests that have heightened tensions and jeopardized a peace deal. Conflict persists in Nasir, with regional bodies urging for calm amidst ongoing violence within the nation.
South Sudan’s security forces, under President Salva Kiir, have released Minister of Peacebuilding Stephen Par Kuol, who had been detained along with several staff members. This release, occurring at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, comes amid rising tensions following the arrest of key allies of First Vice President Riek Machar, including the petroleum minister and a military deputy leader, which threatens the peace agreement that ended a civil conflict.
The arrests were made between Tuesday and Thursday, coinciding with violent clashes in the northern town of Nasir between South Sudanese national forces and the White Army militia, which consists mainly of supporters from Machar’s Nuer ethnic group. The militia had previously allied with Machar during the 2013-2018 civil war against Kiir’s predominantly Dinka forces.
Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, mentioned that security personnel have been stationed around Machar’s residence, although he managed to reach his office. The government has not issued any official statement regarding the detentions, while Information Minister Michael Makuei has accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the White Army and conducting an attack on a military garrison in Nasir. Machar’s party has denied these claims.
Despite a formal peace established in 2018, violence continues to break out among rival groups in South Sudan. On Thursday, regional officials from IGAD, the UN, and the African Union convened with Machar to call for a restoration of calm in Upper Nile State, where the recent clashes have occurred.
The situation in South Sudan remains precarious, with the recent release of Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol only slightly alleviating tensions following multiple arrests of key allies of Riek Machar. Ongoing violence, particularly in Nasir, indicates the fragile nature of the peace agreement made in 2018. Continuous calls for calm from regional and international organizations underscore the need for stability in the region.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
