Tensions Escalate in South Sudan Following Arrest of Petroleum Minister

South Sudan’s petroleum minister has been detained by military officials, linked to the First Vice President Riek Machar’s allies. Rising tensions are evident as security forces are deployed around Machar’s home. Recent violent clashes and delayed elections heighten concerns about political stability in the country.

The recent detention of South Sudan’s petroleum minister by military officials has escalated tensions within the nation. This development occurred shortly after multiple military officers allied with First Vice President Riek Machar were arrested, indicating potential political volatility. Security forces have since increased their presence around Machar’s residence, signaling concerns over further unrest.

The spokesperson for Machar, Puok Both Baluang, stated that no reasons have been disclosed regarding the arrests of the minister and senior military officials. The circumstances surrounding these detentions are particularly alarming, given the backdrop of recent violent clashes between state forces and the White Army militia, predominantly composed of Machar’s Nuer ethnic group, in the critical northern region of Nasir.

Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has faced enduring instability, struggling to uphold the terms of a 2018 peace agreement intended to resolve a civil conflict that started in 2013. The resulting violence has caused approximately 400,000 fatalities. Originally scheduled elections for October have now been postponed until 2026, further complicating the political landscape.

Both the African Union and the United Nations peacekeeping force recently alerted about the potential for “widespread violence” in Nasir’s Upper Nile State, urging the need for de-escalation. Ter Manyang, director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy in Juba, warned that the ongoing arrests might ignite further conflict unless senior leaders effectively manage the situation.

The apprehension of South Sudan’s petroleum minister and allied military officials reflects deepening political unrest, compounded by recent violence and the challenges of maintaining peace since 2011. The continuing instability, delayed elections, and the warning from international entities underscore the necessity for effective governance to prevent further conflict in the nation.

Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com