Escalating Tensions in South Sudan: Arrests of Key Officials Threaten Peace Deal
The arrests of oil minister Puot Kang Chol and deputy army chief General Gabriel Duop Lam, allies of South Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar, have raised concerns about the fragile peace deal established in 2018. Increased violence in Upper Nile State, accusations against Machar’s SPLM-IO, and recent political maneuvers by President Kiir threaten national stability and require international scrutiny to avert a return to conflict.
Recent tensions in South Sudan have escalated following the arrest of key officials allied to First Vice-President Riek Machar, including the Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam. These incidents raise concerns regarding the stability of the fragile peace deal that ended a five-year civil conflict in 2018, which established a power-sharing framework between Machar and President Salva Kiir.
The situation is particularly dire in Upper Nile State, where violent clashes are reported between government forces and rebels believed to be supported by Machar. Government spokesperson, Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth, accused the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), which Machar leads, of collaborating with the White Army, a group aligned with the Nuer ethnic community.
The SPLM-IO confirmed the arrests, asserting that these actions by the government violate the existing peace agreement and pose a significant risk to the stability of the nation. Calls for intervention from international partners have intensified in light of this escalating violence and potential deterioration of the peace accord.
Amidst this turmoil, the United Nations has highlighted the escalating violence in Upper Nile State, which has resulted in casualties as government forces employ heavy weaponry. Regional organizations, such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), have voiced concerns that the ongoing clashes threaten to undo vital progress made under the peace agreement and worsen the region’s humanitarian crisis.
Political analysts note that President Kiir’s recent actions to consolidate power, such as dismissing vice-presidents without consultations, may further alienate Machar and his supporters. Experts warn that the absence of dialogue and aggressive tactics among leaders may plunge South Sudan back into full-scale conflict, jeopardizing the future of its citizens.
In conclusion, the recent arrests of key officials associated with Vice-President Riek Machar have escalated tensions in South Sudan, raising alarms about the stability of the fragile peace agreement established in 2018. With ongoing violence in Upper Nile State and political maneuvers by President Salva Kiir, the situation remains precarious, prompting calls for international intervention to prevent a return to conflict. Continued dialogue is essential for the peace process to succeed and for the welfare of the South Sudanese people.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
