Arrest of General Violates South Sudan’s Peace Deal, Opposition Claims

The arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam from South Sudan’s SPLM-IO has been deemed a serious violation of the peace agreement concluded after the civil war. The SPLM-IO emphasizes the need for political commitment to avoid conflict escalation, while government officials maintain that the arrests were lawful. The situation is tense, with potential implications for peace and upcoming elections in 2026.

The recent arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam, an army general from South Sudan’s main opposition, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), has been labeled a significant breach of the peace agreement that concluded a protracted civil war in the nation. Lam was apprehended along with other senior officials, all of whom are affiliated with Vice-President Riek Machar, whose disagreement with President Salva Kiir ignited the conflict in 2013.

SPLM-IO spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, expressed concern regarding the lack of information about the detained officials’ whereabouts, emphasizing the need for political commitment from peace partners to prevent a return to war. Meanwhile, government spokesperson Michael Makuei stated that the arrests were lawful and asserted that South Sudan would not revert to conflict.

Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has faced turmoil, including a civil war that ensued just two years later, claiming approximately 400,000 lives and displacing millions. Although a peace deal was signed in 2018, tensions have persisted, particularly as Lam was taken into custody just after additional arrests of Machar’s close allies occurred.

Military officials aligned with Machar, including Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol, have also faced detention, with many placed under house arrest amid a backdrop of escalating hostility. Notably, the White Army militia, supportive of Machar, captured a strategic area in Upper Nile state, igniting further clashes with government forces.

The UN and African Union have cautioned that the regional violence might spill over, with experts warning that unless the top leadership addresses the situation adequately, the likelihood of another war could loom. The forthcoming elections, which have already been delayed, are currently set for 2026 in an effort to stabilize the nation.

The overarching peace agreement is at risk as factional fighting continues, raising alarms about the political stability and future governance of South Sudan.

The arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam and subsequent detentions of senior SPLM-IO officials pose severe risks to the fragile peace agreement established after South Sudan’s civil war. As both government and opposition navigate these tensions, the potential for renewed conflict exists unless committed and transparent efforts are made to uphold peace. The leadership is urged to act decisively to foster stability in the nation as elections approach in 2026.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com