South Sudan Detains Petroleum Minister and Military Officials Amid…

South Sudanese forces have detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several military officials linked to First Vice President Riek Machar, raising concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war. No reasons for the detentions have been provided, and the security situation near Machar’s residence remains tense.

In a significant political development, South Sudanese forces have detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol along with several high-ranking military officials connected to First Vice President Riek Machar. This action poses a potential threat to the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, which concluded a five-year civil war between Machar and President Salva Kiir. Despite the peace agreement, tensions persist between these two leaders, with frequent instances of violence among rival communities.

The arrest was confirmed by Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, who stated that the deputy head of the army was among those detained, while other military officials aligned with Machar have been placed under house arrest. Baluang noted that no official reasons for the detentions have been communicated to them as of now. Additionally, South Sudanese troops have been positioned around Machar’s residence to bolster security. However, on Wednesday morning, Machar managed to travel to his office without incident.

The detention of the petroleum minister and several military officials in South Sudan underscores the ongoing fragility of the country’s political landscape, despite a peace agreement in place. The actions taken against allies of First Vice President Riek Machar highlight the unresolved tensions between the leadership of South Sudan. As the situation unfolds, the potential implications for peace and stability remain a critical concern.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke