Deputy President of South Sudan Threatens Withdrawal from Peace Agreement Over Official Firings
South Sudan’s Deputy President Riek Machar has threatened to leave the precarious peace agreement with President Salva Kiir due to recent firings of senior officials. He demands the immediate reinstatement of Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng and General Alfred Futuyo Karaba, or he will exit the agreement established in 2018.
JUBA, South Sudan — The deputy president of South Sudan has expressed intentions to withdraw from a delicate peace agreement with President Salva Kiir in light of a recent government reshuffle. This development follows the dismissal of several senior officials, which has reignited tensions between Riek Machar and President Kiir, whose political rivalry had previously led to civil conflict.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr. Machar indicated that he would terminate the 2018 peace agreement if the reinstatement of two dismissed officials — Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng and General Alfred Futuyo Karaba, governor of Western Equatoria state — does not occur within a 24-hour window. His threats underscore the fragility of the current political landscape in South Sudan, reflecting longstanding grievances between the country’s leadership factions.
In summary, the ongoing threat by Deputy President Riek Machar to withdraw from the peace agreement underscores the precarious nature of South Sudan’s political environment. The dismissal of key officials has provoked significant reactions, highlighting the deep-rooted tensions between the rival political factions. The urgency of Machar’s demand for reinstatement of the officials illustrates the critical state of governance in the region.
Original Source: www.thespec.com
