South Sudan’s petroleum minister and military officials have been detained amid rising tensions linked to First Vice President Riek Machar. The situation escalated with security forces surrounding Machar’s residence after the arrests. This reflects ongoing instability in the country as it struggles with a delayed electoral process and previous violent conflicts.
In a significant development, South Sudan’s petroleum minister, along with several military officials, has been detained by the military. This action follows previous arrests linked to officials who are allies of First Vice President Riek Machar. The situation has escalated, with security forces now deploying around Machar’s residence following these arrests.
Recent updates state that the minister’s detention occurred amidst increasing tensions in the oil-rich nation. The military’s actions are reportedly in connection with officials aligned with Machar, a former rebel leader. Notably, communication from Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, indicated a lack of clarity regarding the reasons behind these arrests.
The reactions to the detentions come after recent fierce clashes in Nasir involving national troops and the White Army militia, primarily made up of individuals from Machar’s ethnic group, the Nuer. This group previously engaged in conflict between 2013 and 2018 against Dinka troops loyal to President Salva Kiir. Since its secession from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan continues to experience instability, complicating efforts to enforce a peace agreement signed in 2018.
Elections originally scheduled for October have now been postponed until 2026. The African Union, alongside the United Nations peacekeeping forces in South Sudan, recently warned about the potential for widespread violence, urging de-escalation in the Upper Nile State region. Ter Manyang, director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy in Juba, cautioned that inadequate management of the arrests could ignite further conflict.
In summary, the detention of South Sudan’s petroleum minister alongside military officials underscores the ongoing instability in the nation. The arrests, linked to the First Vice President Riek Machar, have heightened tensions, prompting a security response near Machar’s home. With elections delayed and warnings of potential violence from international bodies, the political landscape in South Sudan remains precarious, necessitating careful handling by its leadership to avoid further conflict.
Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com
