Concerns Rise Over South Sudan Peace Deal After Key Opposition Arrests

The arrests of opposition leaders Gabriel Doup Lam and Puot Kang Chol in South Sudan have incited fears for the stability of the 2018 peace deal intended to end civil war. Despite President Kiir’s assurances of avoiding conflict, tensions are rising as military actions coincide with these detentions. The international community’s involvement may be crucial to preserve peace with growing unrest threatening to escalate into wider violence.

In South Sudan, the recent arrests of key opposition figures, including oil minister Gen. Gabriel Doup Lam and army general Puot Kang Chol, have raised serious concerns regarding the stability of the peace deal that concluded the civil war. Both men are high-ranking members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and close associates of Vice-President Riek Machar, who is in ongoing conflict with President Salva Kiir.

Following their arrests, Col. Lam Gabriel Paul, a spokesperson for SPLA-IO, stated that the government had not provided any explanations for the detentions. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011; however, civil war broke out two years later due to a power struggle between Machar and Kiir, resulting in catastrophic humanitarian implications.

Although a peace agreement was reached in 2018 after significant loss of life and displacement, issues have persisted, and the recent arrests have heightened tensions. In defense of the country’s future, President Kiir’s spokesperson indicated that the nation would avoid reverting to war. Gen. Lam, who oversees the military faction of the opposition, was detained earlier this week, while Chol was apprehended during the night.

The atmosphere has become increasingly tense, particularly after Machar’s residence was surrounded by military forces, leading other senior officials aligned with him to be placed under house arrest. Machar’s spokesperson, Pal Mai Deng, condemned the arrests as violations of the peace agreement and urged the international community to step in to prevent further escalation.

The backdrop to these arrests includes new tensions arising from the White Army militia’s takeover of a strategic town following confrontations with government forces; accusations are being made regarding the support Machar’s faction allegedly provides to these rebels. The UN and African Union officials have expressed concern that the ongoing violence may broaden into a larger conflict. Ter Manyang from the Center for Peace and Advocacy highlighted that the fighting risks destabilizing the peace deal altogether, warning that the country could easily revert to war without decisive management from its leaders.

Currently, South Sudan has not held any elections, with the next anticipated to occur in 2026 after multiple delays.

The arrests of Gen. Gabriel Doup Lam and Puot Kang Chol threaten the fragile peace in South Sudan, raising alarms about the potential return to conflict. With increasing tensions and accusations of rebellion against the opposition, the stability of the peace deal hangs precariously. International intervention may be necessary to mitigate escalating violence and secure a peaceful future for the nation previously embroiled in civil war.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk