South Sudan Detains Oil Minister and Military Officials Amidst Political Tension
South Sudanese authorities have detained the Petroleum Minister and military officials aligned with Vice President Riek Machar, raising concerns regarding the peace accord from 2018 that ended a civil conflict. The arrests were confirmed by Machar’s spokesperson, who noted the unclear reasons behind this action. Increased military presence around Machar’s residence is noted, events casting shadows over the country’s political stability.
In a significant political development in South Sudan, the country’s forces have detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol along with senior military officials loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar. This action, as reported by Machar’s spokesperson, could threaten the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, which ended a devastating five-year civil war involving President Salva Kiir and Machar. Although these leaders maintain a contentious relationship, the region has been experiencing relative calm since the peace accord despite ongoing local violence.
Spokesperson Puok Both Baluang confirmed that the deputy head of the army was among those arrested, while additional military officials have been placed under house arrest. “As of now, there’s not any reason provided to us that led to the arrest or the detention of (these) officials,” he stated to Reuters. Notably, South Sudanese troops have increased their presence around Machar’s residence, yet he managed to attend his office on Wednesday morning, indicating a potential breach of the peace process.
Despite the 2018 peace agreement, the relationship between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar remains fraught with tension. Escalating violence among different community factions continues to be a concern, raising questions about the stability of South Sudan and the effectiveness of its leadership. This latest incident reflects ongoing political instability in a nation still recovering from years of conflict and crisis
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The recent detention of South Sudan’s Petroleum Minister and military officials linked to Vice President Riek Machar poses a serious threat to the fragile peace established by the 2018 accord. The lack of transparency surrounding these arrests, coupled with the tense relationship between the nation’s leaders, raises alarm about the potential for renewed conflict and the overall stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
