South Sudan Government Detains Key Machar Allies Amidst Military Tensions
South Sudan has arrested key allies of Vice President Riek Machar as soldiers surround his residence, raising concerns over the stability of the 2018 peace deal. Notable detentions include Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol. The arrests follow violence in Upper Nile, exacerbating tensions in a nation already marred by civil conflict.
The South Sudanese government has detained key allies of First Vice President Riek Machar amidst a heavy military presence surrounding his residence in Juba. Among those arrested is the Deputy Army Chief, General Gabriel Duop Lam, along with Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, who was taken into custody with his family and bodyguards. These actions signal a potential threat to the 2018 peace deal established between Machar and President Salva Kiir, which sought to end a devastating civil war.
No explicit reason has been provided for the arrests, which follow an armed group related to Machar’s faction overwhelming an army base in the northern Upper Nile state. Machar has previously indicated that the dismissal of several key allies jeopardizes the fragile peace agreement made four years prior. Water Minister Pal Mai Deng articulated that Lam’s arrest jeopardizes the entire agreement, which includes the Joint Defence Board integral for command and operational oversight of military forces.
The presence of South Sudanese People’s Defense Forces around Machar’s home has raised significant concerns regarding trust among political parties. Additionally, other military officials who support Machar are reportedly under house arrest without justification for their detention. The army’s spokesperson, Major-General Lul Ruai Koang, refrained from commenting on the situation.
The backdrop of these tensions is South Sudan’s history of violence, with a civil war beginning in December 2013, triggering a humanitarian crisis that displaced millions and killed hundreds of thousands. The recent unrest appears linked to fears of increasing conflict in Upper Nile, where the army has accused Lam of colluding with the White Army rebels who predominantly belong to the same ethnic Nuer community. Reports from the United Nations Mission detail heightened violence in Nasir County involving heavy weaponry, resulting in civilian casualties.
Ter Manyang Gatwich from the Center for Peace and Advocacy has urged for the quick release of the arrested officials to prevent further escalation that could lead to widespread conflict.
The recent arrests of high-ranking officials allied with Vice President Riek Machar, amidst military threats, highlight a critical juncture in South Sudan’s fragile peace process. As concerns mount over the implications of these actions on the 2018 peace agreement, it is essential to foster dialogue and restore trust among factions to avert further conflict. Immediate actions are necessary to ensure stability and protect civilian lives.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
