Tensions Escalate in South Sudan Amid Security Forces’ Deployment
Heavy security forces have surrounded the residence of Riek Machar in South Sudan following the detention of General Gabriel Duop Lam. The SPLA-IO has condemned this as a violation of the 2018 peace agreement, threatening ongoing peace efforts. They demand de-escalation and the release of General Lam, seeking international intervention to prevent further conflict.
Tensions have escalated in South Sudan following the deployment of security forces surrounding the residence of First Vice President Riek Machar. This military escalation follows the detention of General Gabriel Duop Lam, the acting chief of staff of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), which the opposition faction argues breaches the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, jeopardizing ongoing peace efforts.
The SPLA-IO issued a statement expressing profound concern regarding the military presence, characterizing it as provocative. They condemned the actions as undermining trust between peace partners and worsening the violence currently affecting Upper Nile State. The spokesperson, Pal Mai Deng, underscored that this deployment compromises the efforts aimed at de-escalation of hostilities in the region.
Furthermore, the SPLA-IO denounced the arrest of General Duop Lam, a senior military figure involved in the Joint Defence Board, attributing orchestrated actions to the SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces. They labeled this detention as a violation of the peace agreement and detrimental to the joint command structure necessary for stability in South Sudan, claiming it “puts the entire agreement at risk.”
In light of these developments, the SPLA-IO has demanded the immediate withdrawal of government forces around Machar’s residence and the unconditional release of General Duop Lam. They implored international guarantors of the peace agreement to take action to prevent further deterioration of the situation, stressing the need for joint efforts to halt the ongoing violence in Upper Nile State.
The SPLA-IO remains committed to the peace agreement, advocating for a resolution through dialogue rather than force. They asserted their dedication to implementing the agreement’s terms both in spirit and letter. As of last report, the South Sudanese government and the SSPDF have yet to comment on the incident, leaving the situation fraught with uncertainty and potential for escalation in the days ahead.
The situation in South Sudan remains volatile as tensions rise due to the military deployment around Riek Machar’s residence, resulting from the detention of General Duop Lam. The SPLA-IO’s condemnation of these actions highlights concerns over trust among peace partners and the stability of the peace agreement. Calls for de-escalation and international intervention underscore the urgent need for dialogue to prevent conflict resurgence.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
