Concerns Arise Over Peace Deal After Arrests of South Sudan Opposition Leaders
Recent arrests of South Sudanese opposition leaders Gen. Gabriel Doup Lam and Puot Kang Chol have heightened fears regarding the future of the peace deal that ended the civil war. With tensions rising and military actions unfolding, calls for international intervention are intensifying to prevent a resurgence of conflict.
Security forces in South Sudan have detained key opposition leaders, Oil Minister Gen. Gabriel Doup Lam and Army General Puot Kang Chol, raising alarm regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a civil war. Both individuals are aligned with Vice President Riek Machar, who has a longstanding rivalry with President Salva Kiir. No official rationale for the arrests has been disclosed by the government, according to Col. Lam Gabriel Paul, the party’s spokesperson.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but was plunged into civil war by 2013 following clashes between Machar and Kiir. This conflict resulted in the deaths of 400,000 people and displaced 2.5 million. Despite the 2018 peace deal, tensions persist within the political landscape. Amidst these recent developments, President Kiir assured that the nation would not return to war, as communicated by his spokesperson.
The circumstances surrounding the arrests are concerning: Gen. Lam, responsible for the military faction of the opposition, was apprehended on Tuesday, while Chol was taken during the night. Reports indicate Machar’s residence in Juba was temporarily surrounded by government troops. Furthermore, senior military officials allied with Machar have reportedly been placed under house arrest, intensifying fears for the fragile peace.
Machar’s spokesperson, Pal Mai Deng, condemned the arrests, stating that they represent a breach of the peace agreement. This situation has raised calls for international intervention to safeguard the agreement. These arrests are also occurring alongside military activity, with reports that the White Army militia has captured a vital town in Upper Nile state, following conflicts with government soldiers.
The UN and African Union have cautioned that the rising violence in the Upper Nile region poses a risk to the broader peace. Ter Manyang, a peace advocacy leader, highlighted that unless effectively managed, this upheaval could lead the nation towards further conflict. South Sudan has not yet conducted elections since its independence, with polls now scheduled for 2026 after significant delays.
The arrests of Gen. Gabriel Doup Lam and Puot Kang Chol heighten concerns regarding the stability of South Sudan’s peace agreement, reflecting ongoing tensions between the government and opposition leaders. Calls for international action to preserve peace grow stronger amid fears of escalating violence, particularly following clashes involving the White Army militia. The situation remains precarious, necessitating careful management to prevent a return to armed conflict. As South Sudan approaches its next election in 2026, the political landscape remains fragile and the commitment to peace is increasingly vital.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
