The arrest of South Sudanese minister Stephen Par Kuol marks an escalation of political tensions, following previous detentions of key military officials. As fighting resurges in Upper Nile State, concerns grow over renewed civil war and calls for dialogue increase. Analysts caution that the situation could lead to retaliation from opposition armed groups, reflecting ongoing instability in the region.
South Sudan’s ongoing political crisis escalated with the arrest of the peacebuilding minister, Stephen Par Kuol, by security forces loyal to President Salva Kiir. This follows the prior detainment of the petroleum minister and other military officials allied with First Vice-President Riek Machar, highlighting deepening tensions that could potentially lead to renewed civil war. Church leaders have raised alarms about the growing violence, advocating for peaceful dialogue.
Conflict erupted recently in the northern Upper Nile State, where national forces clashed with the White Army militia, a group primarily composed of Nuer ethnic members, associated with Machar. Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s loyalists of collaborating with this militia to attack a military base, yet the government has not directly addressed the recent arrests.
The White Army previously collaborated with Machar’s forces during the civil war between 2013 and 2018, which resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Although a peace agreement was made in 2018, violence has persisted, fueled partly by ongoing turmoil in nearby Sudan. Kuol was actively involved in these peace negotiations.
In a recent statement, church figures condemned the escalating violence and political instability, urging for renewed dialogue. Daniel Akech Thiong, an analyst from the International Crisis Group, warned that these arrests could lead armed opposition groups to retaliate against governmental positions. Additionally, national elections previously scheduled for last year have been postponed until December 2026, adding further uncertainty to the political landscape.
The arrest of Minister Stephen Par Kuol and other officials signals a significant rise in tensions within South Sudan’s governance. This situation has drawn concern from church leaders and analysts who warn of potential violence that could destabilize peace measures enacted since the 2018 deal. Calls for dialogue and the postponement of national elections emphasize the complexities facing South Sudan in achieving stability.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
