Arrests of Riek Machar Allies Raise Concerns Over South Sudan’s Stability
Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, South Sudan’s Minister of Peacebuilding, was arrested by the NSS amidst a series of detentions targeting allies of First Vice President Riek Machar. Previous arrests include the oil minister and the deputy army head, raising alarms over the stability of the fragile peace agreement established in 2018 between Kiir and Machar. Growing violence in Upper Nile State compounds the crisis, prompting calls for an end to hostilities from regional and international entities.
In a notable development in South Sudan, the Minister of Peacebuilding, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested by the National Security Service (NSS) on Thursday. This detention marks the latest incident in a series of arrests targeting leaders affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar, as confirmed by Machar’s press secretary, Puok Both Baluang, via Facebook.
This recent arrest follows those of both the oil minister and the deputy head of the army, who are also supporters of Machar and prominent figures within his Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) party. Such detentions have sparked serious concerns regarding the stability of the ongoing peace agreement established between President Salva Kiir and Machar.
South Sudan, recognized as the world’s youngest nation, concluded a five-year civil conflict in 2018 through a power-sharing arrangement between these rival factions. However, escalating tensions might jeopardize this unity government, particularly seen in the violent confrontations occurring in the Upper Nile State, where government forces engage with rebels aligned with Machar.
The United Nations has issued warnings about the intensifying clashes in Upper Nile State, noting the employment of heavy weaponry and resulting casualties. In response, regional partners and Western embassies have jointly urged an end to hostilities, emphasizing that “Juba-based leaders must demonstrate their commitment to peaceful dialogue and should put the interest of the South Sudanese people first.”
In recent months, criticisms have also emerged towards President Kiir’s political strategies, perceived by analysts as attempts to consolidate his power while marginalizing Machar. Last month, President Kiir dismissed two vice presidents from his unity government without prior consultation with other stakeholders and also removed the governor of Western Equatoria State, a Machar-affiliated official.
The situation in South Sudan remains dire as arrests of key leaders allied with First Vice President Riek Machar signal growing political instability. Recent detentions, citing threats to the fragile peace between opposing factions, arise amid increasing violence in the Upper Nile State. Observations by the United Nations and regional powers underscore the urgent need for peaceful dialogue and political cohesion to ensure the welfare of the South Sudanese populace. Analysts indicate that President Kiir’s maneuvers could further threaten the delicate power-sharing agreement.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
