Arrests of South Sudan Officials Indicate Rising Political Tensions

South Sudanese forces have arrested several allies of First Vice President Riek Machar, including the peacebuilding minister, in a move that could lead to renewed conflict. The arrests coincide with clashes in Upper Nile State and allegations of collaboration with militia groups. Church leaders and analysts express concerns over escalating tensions and call for dialogue to avert further violence.

In South Sudan, forces aligned with President Salva Kiir have intensified their crackdown on allies of First Vice President Riek Machar, culminating in the arrest of the peacebuilding minister, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol. This escalation of political tensions has sparked warnings from church leaders who fear the potential for a renewed civil war. Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, confirmed Kuol’s arrest on social media shortly after it occurred.

The current wave of arrests also includes the petroleum minister and other senior military officials who are affiliated with Machar. These actions appear to be a response to recent violent clashes in Upper Nile State between national forces and the White Army militia, which is largely composed of Nuer fighters, aligned with Machar.

While the government has yet to issue an official statement regarding these arrests, Information Minister Michael Makuei accused forces loyal to Machar of working alongside the White Army to assault a military position in Nasir. A long history of conflict exists, as the White Army previously allied with Machar in the civil war from 2013 to 2018 against Dinka forces supporting Kiir, resulting in approximately 400,000 fatalities and the displacement of 2.5 million people.

Although a peace agreement signed in 2018 has generally maintained a fragile stability between the factions, ongoing localized violence persists, exacerbated by the armed conflict in Sudan which has made weapon access easier. Kuol played a significant role in the dialogues that led to this peace deal.

In light of the escalating violence and political instability, church leaders have urged for dialogue to restore peace. Senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, Daniel Akech Thiong, remarked that these ongoing arrests signal a severe escalation that could provoke opposition-linked armed groups to retaliate against government bases in Upper Nile and Jonglei states. Furthermore, the government announced a postponement of national elections originally planned for last year, which are now scheduled for December 2026, citing the need for more time to prepare.

The recent arrests of key figures in South Sudan underscore a dangerous escalation in political tensions, risking a resurgence of civil conflict. With church leaders advocating for dialogue amidst insecurity, the actions taken by the government and their implications highlight the fragile state of peace in the country. The postponement of national elections further complicates the situation, indicating the urgent need for reconciliation and stability in South Sudan.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com