Political Arrests Undermine Stability in South Sudan’s Fragile Peace

Political arrests in South Sudan have led to fears of escalating violence amid recent fighting in Nasir. Key politicians allied with First Vice President Riek Machar, including the peacebuilding minister, have been detained without explanation. The situation threatens the fragile peace established by a 2018 agreement, with analysts warning that prospects for stability are diminishing.

Recent political arrests in South Sudan have sparked fears of escalating conflict. This situation is particularly alarming following fighting in Nasir between state forces and a militia allied with First Vice President Riek Machar. The government has detained several prominent politicians, including Stephen Par Kuol, the minister of peacebuilding, who was arrested by the National Security Service.

The arrests have not only included Kuol but also have involved Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Head Gabriel Duop Lam. According to Puok Both Baluang, spokesperson for Machar, no reasons for these detentions have been disclosed. Baluang emphasized that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition is unaware of the whereabouts of their officials, raising concerns about the situation.

Baluang previously criticized the deployment of armed soldiers to Machar’s residence, noting that such actions undermine peace efforts and trust between political factions. These arrests are connected to recent violence in Nasir County, where state forces clashed with the White Army militia, largely composed of the Nuer ethnic group, which has historical ties to Machar.

The White Army previously supported Machar during a five-year civil war against President Salva Kiir’s forces, which concluded in 2018 with a fragile peace agreement. However, lingering tensions and sporadic violence by armed groups pose threats to this peace. While the South Sudanese government downplays the possibility of renewed war, experts like Daniel Akech Thiong from the International Crisis Group express concern that the precarious peace could be in jeopardy.

The recent political arrests in South Sudan, particularly of influential figures allied with First Vice President Riek Machar, raise serious concerns regarding the stability of the nation. The dismissive stance of the government towards the potential for renewed conflict contrasts sharply with warnings from analysts. As tensions persist, the fragile peace established in 2018 remains at significant risk.

Original Source: www.okayafrica.com