Release of South Sudan Peacebuilding Minister Amid Rising Tensions

The peacebuilding minister of South Sudan, Stephen Par Kuol, has been released after being previously detained by security forces. The arrests included several of Machar’s allies, raising tensions following recent clashes between national forces and the White Army militia. The government has yet to respond to the detentions, while regional and international agencies urge for restored peace.

On Friday, South Sudanese security forces released Stephen Par Kuol, the peacebuilding minister and a significant ally of First Vice President Riek Machar. This release followed a series of arrests of Machar’s associates, which heightened tensions within the government. Notably, the arrests occurred between Tuesday and Thursday, targeting key figures such as the petroleum minister and a deputy military leader, hence jeopardizing an already fragile peace deal.

Puok Both Baluang, a spokesperson for Machar, confirmed that Kuol, along with three staff from his office, was unlawfully detained before being released at 5:00 A.M. on Friday. However, the petroleum minister and the deputy military head remained in custody as of that time. Despite heightened security measures around Machar’s residence, he managed to attend his office without incident.

The backdrop to these events involves recent clashes in Nasir, a strategically important town, between national forces and the White Army militia, predominantly composed of the Nuer ethnic group, aligned with Machar. The White Army had previously fought alongside Machar’s forces during the civil war from 2013 to 2018 against troops loyal to President Kiir.

The government has not issued any official response regarding the detentions. Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the White Army in an assault on a military garrison in Nasir, claims which Machar’s party has denied. Although South Sudan has maintained an official peace since the 2018 agreement, violence continues to disrupt communities.

On Thursday, representatives from IGAD, the United Nations, the African Union, and RJMEC convened with Machar, urging all factions to prioritize stability and restore peace in the Upper Nile State, where Nasir is situated.

The situation in South Sudan remains tenuous as the release of the peacebuilding minister follows a series of provocative detentions of political allies. While ongoing tensions escalate against the backdrop of historical ethnic conflict, regional and international bodies are advocating for calm. The current political climate emphasizes the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, which continues to be tested by intermittent violence and power struggles.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com