South Sudan Security Forces Release Peacebuilding Minister Amid…

South Sudanese security forces have released Minister Stephen Par Kuol amid rising tensions following recent arrests of key officials allied with First Vice President Riek Machar. Despite the release, other officials remain detained, and violence persists, challenging the peace established by the 2018 agreement. Regional and international bodies have urged restoration of calm in the affected areas.

South Sudan’s security forces have released the Peacebuilding Minister, Stephen Par Kuol, a prominent ally of First Vice President Riek Machar. This development comes amid rising tensions following the detention of several senior officials, including close associates of Machar, which could jeopardize the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement that concluded a devastating civil war. Reportedly, within the span of three days, multiple figures from Machar’s circle, including the Petroleum Minister and the deputy head of the military, were arrested or placed under house arrest.

The release of Minister Kuol occurred early on Friday morning, according to Machar’s spokesman, Puok Both Baluang. However, the Petroleum Minister and military deputy remain in custody. While security forces have increased their presence around Machar’s residence, he was still able to reach his office despite the escalating situation. This sequence of events followed intense clashes in Nasir, a pivotal town where national forces confronted the White Army militia, aligned with Machar’s ethnic Nuer group.

As the civil conflict formally ended in 2018, sporadic violence continues to disrupt peace efforts. The government has refrained from commenting on the recent arrests, but Information Minister Michael Makuei suggested that forces loyal to Machar were involved in conflicts with the military near Nasir. Machar’s party, however, has denied any connection to these clashes.

In response to the rising unrest in Upper Nile State, officials from regional organizations, including IGAD, the United Nations, and the African Union, convened with Machar, urging all relevant parties to work together to restore stability in the area.

In summary, the recent release of Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol highlights the fragile political climate in South Sudan, following a series of contentious arrests of key officials affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between rival factions despite the formal cessation of hostilities after the 2018 peace agreement. Continued violence and the involvement of external organizations in mediating peace efforts further emphasize the complexities faced by South Sudan’s leadership.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke