East African Bloc Calls for the Release of Detained Officials in South Sudan
The East African bloc IGAD has urged South Sudan to release detained officials and restore security measures to prevent rising tensions from escalating into conflict. Recent arrests linked to political rivals Kiir and Machar have heightened concerns regarding the 2018 peace agreement. The government’s accusations against Machar’s supporters further complicate the political landscape.
On Wednesday, an assembly of East African nations urged the government of South Sudan to release detained officials and reconsider stringent security measures, aiming to mitigate rising factional tensions that threaten to devolve into renewed conflict. Despite having been at peace since a 2018 agreement that ended a violent civil war, relations between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar remain fraught, exacerbated by recent arrests.
The recent detentions of key figures, including a deputy military chief and two ministers aligned with Machar, have raised alarms regarding the possibility of a breach in the peace accord. Additionally, violent confrontations have erupted near the strategic northern town of Nasir. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), comprising eight East African countries, convened a virtual summit to address these concerning developments.
IGAD’s executive secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, presented a report advocating for the immediate release of imprisoned officials unless founded on credible evidence. The organization also called for the reinstatement of existing security protocols. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei previously indicated that those arrested were violating laws but did not comment further when prompted.
The South Sudanese government has alleged that Machar’s supporters are collaborating with the White Army militia, ethnically aligned with Machar’s Nuer group, which has engaged in hostilities against government forces. While Machar’s party disputes these claims, tensions escalate with a notable military presence near the vice president’s residence. Furthermore, another allied lawmaker was arrested en route to parliament, highlighting the ongoing political unrest in the nation.
In summary, the East African bloc IGAD has called upon the South Sudanese government to release detained political figures and restore standard security measures. Increased factional tensions following recent arrests and violent clashes threaten the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. The situation underscores the need for dialogue and transparency to avert a potential resurgence of conflict in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za