Arrest of Opposition Lawmaker Gatwech Lam Raises Concerns in South Sudan
Gatwech Lam Puoch, an opposition lawmaker in South Sudan, was arrested by the National Security Service (NSS) in Juba and is being held at the Blue House. His arrest coincides with rising tensions between President Salva Kiir’s supporters and those of First Vice President Riek Machar, with fears for the stability of the 2018 peace agreement amidst increased violence.
Gatwech Lam Puoch, a prominent South Sudanese opposition lawmaker, was apprehended in Juba by the National Security Service (NSS) on Tuesday. Mr. Gatwech, a senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), serves as the representative for Nasir County in Parliament and is currently being detained at the Blue House, a notorious NSS detention center.
The arrest was confirmed by Puok Both Baluang, the press secretary for First Vice President Riek Machar, who refrained from providing any further information. Mr. Gatwech plays a crucial role within the SPLM-IO, the political party led by Mr. Machar, who holds the position of first vice president under the 2018 power-sharing agreement.
This incident has occurred amidst escalating political tensions between the supporters of President Salva Kiir and those aligned with Mr. Machar. Recent fatal clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, have prompted the government to intensify its crackdown on Mr. Machar’s allies, resulting in additional arrests, including that of the petroleum minister and several senior military officials.
Mr. Gatwech’s detention appears to be related to his political activities, specifically an appeal made on February 20 regarding the suspension of SSPDF deployments in Nasir. The lawmakers advocating for this suspension emphasized the necessity of consulting local communities before military presence is imposed in their regions.
These developments have sparked concerns over the fragility of the 2018 peace agreement, which aims to unify the government and facilitate elections, although progress has been sluggish.
In conclusion, the arrest of Gatwech Lam Puoch highlights the escalating political tensions in South Sudan, particularly between the factions of President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The increasing crackdowns on opposition voices and political dissent raises significant concerns regarding the stability of the current peace agreement and the potential for further unrest in the region. With recent clashes resulting in multiple fatalities, the situation remains precarious, warranting close attention from the international community.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
