Escalating Tensions in South Sudan Prompt Arrests of Key Officials

In South Sudan, escalating tensions have led to the arrest of multiple officials aligned with First Vice-President Riek Machar, including the peacebuilding minister. This follows violent clashes involving the White Army militia. Experts warn that these actions may provoke further conflict, potentially reigniting previous civil war dynamics, as church leaders call for dialogue and security amidst rising instability.

In South Sudan, tensions have escalated as forces loyal to President Salva Kiir have continued to detain allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar. Notably, the peacebuilding minister, Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested on Thursday, with his arrest confirmed by Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang. Earlier this week, security forces also detained the petroleum minister, the deputy head of the army, and additional senior military officials aligned with Machar.

These arrests occurred after violent confrontations in the northern Upper Nile State between national forces and the White Army, a group predominantly formed by armed members of the Nuer ethnic group, which supports Machar. While the government has not issued a statement regarding the arrests, Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the White Army in recent attacks against a military garrison near Nasir.

The White Army fought in the earlier civil war from 2013 to 2018 alongside Machar’s forces against the predominantly ethnic Dinka troops supporting President Kiir. This conflict resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and displaced 2.5 million individuals, following South Sudan’s independence from Sudan. Although a peace agreement was established in 2018, localized violence persists, particularly fueled by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has improved access to arms for various groups.

Kuol played an integral role in the peace negotiations from 2018. In response to the recent violence, church leaders issued a statement condemning the rising insecurity and violence that threaten peace and urgently called for constructive dialogue. Senior analyst Daniel Akech Thiong from the International Crisis Group stated that the recent string of arrests signals a dangerous escalation, potentially inciting armed opposition groups to target government installations in Upper Nile and Jonglei states. Furthermore, national elections that had long been postponed are now scheduled for December 2026, as the government claimed more time was required for adequate preparation.

In summary, the recent arrests of South Sudanese officials reflect a troubling escalation of tensions between the government and opposition forces, particularly surrounding First Vice-President Riek Machar. The ongoing violence risks reigniting conflicts reminiscent of past civil wars, as evidenced by the involvement of ethnic militias. Urgent dialogue and intervention may be needed to avert further violence and stabilize the region.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za