President Kiir Dismisses Upper Nile Governor Amid Rising Tensions

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has dismissed Upper Nile Governor James Odhok Oyay amid escalating clashes with a militia tied to his rival Riek Machar. The situation raises concerns of renewed conflict in the young nation, with ongoing violence displacing thousands of people since February. Kiir’s government claims Oyay’s dismissal is vital for restoring peace, while SPLM-IO decries it as a breach of the peace agreement.

President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed James Odhok Oyay, the governor of Upper Nile State, amid escalating clashes between government forces and ethnic militias. The conflict has intensified as the militia, closely aligned with Kiir’s rival, First Vice President Riek Machar, led government troops to retreat from the strategically significant town of Nasir, situated near the Ethiopian border. This situation poses a serious risk of renewed civil strife, merely seven years after the previous war claimed countless lives.

Following the unrest, the government apprehended several officials from Machar’s SPLM-IO party, including both the petroleum minister and the deputy army chief, aggravating tensions further. Kiir’s decision to appoint Lieutenant General James Koang Chuol, a native of Nasir, in place of Oyay has sparked backlash from SPLM-IO, which has already taken steps to withdraw partially from the 2018 peace agreement in response to the recent detentions.

Puok Both Baluang, spokesperson for Machar, articulated concerns by stating that Oyay’s removal represents a unilateral breach of the Revitalised Peace Agreement, highlighting the significant implications of such actions for national stability. Conversely, Information Minister Michael Makuei responded by asserting that Oyay’s dismissal is aimed at restoring peace within Upper Nile State, accusing SPLM-IO of undermining the peace accord.

The government further claims that the SPLM-IO maintains connections with the White Army, a militia associated with ethnic Nuer youths, who had fought alongside Machar’s forces during the civil war against Kiir’s Dinka troops. While SPLM-IO vehemently denies these allegations, reports from the United Nations indicate that violence in and around Nasir has already led to the displacement of 50,000 individuals since late February, with the situation described as perilously close to spiraling into civil war.

In summary, the dismissal of Upper Nile Governor James Odhok Oyay by President Salva Kiir amidst rising tensions reflects the fragile political landscape in South Sudan. Accusations against SPLM-IO and the appointment of a new governor have fueled concerns of a potential return to conflict. The ongoing violence and resulting displacement further underscore the urgent need for renewed commitment to peace and stabilization in the region.

Original Source: newscentral.africa