South Sudanese security forces arrested several allies of First Vice President Riek Machar, escalating tensions despite a 2018 peace agreement. Key official Stephen Par Kuol was later released, while others remain in custody. Clashes with the White Army militia in Nasir further complicate the situation, prompting calls for calm from regional and international bodies.
In South Sudan, tensions have escalated following the arrests of several key officials aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar. Among those detained were the Peacebuilding minister, Stephen Par Kuol, and allies from Machar’s party. Despite facing recent violence due to clashes between national forces and the White Army militia, the country has been under a formal peace agreement since 2018, which ended a civil war.
Peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol was released by security forces who had unlawfully detained him alongside three staff members. His release occurred early Friday morning, but both the petroleum minister and a deputy military head remain in custody. The security presence around Machar’s residence raised concerns during this period of instability.
Recent clashes in the northern town of Nasir, involving the White Army militia—a group associated with the Nuer ethnic community, who were allies of Machar in previous conflicts—have contributed to the unrest. The government has not issued official comments regarding the detentions, but Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s forces of being involved in these violent incidents.
In response to the unrest, officials from various regional and international organizations convened with Machar, emphasizing the need for calm and peace restoration in the Upper Nile State, where Nasir is located. The ongoing situation highlights the fragility of public order in South Sudan despite the peace agreement that seeks to stabilize the region.
The situation in South Sudan remains tense as recent arrests of officials linked to Vice President Riek Machar raise fears about the stability of the ongoing peace agreement. The release of the Peacebuilding minister amidst escalating violence underscores the challenges faced by the government in maintaining order. Increased international attention and intervention may be necessary to restore calm in the affected regions and safeguard the fragile peace established in 2018.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
