The arrest of South Sudan’s oil minister and deputy armed forces head has heightened fears regarding the stability of the peace accord with Vice President Riek Machar. General Gabriel Duop Lam’s detention due to accusations of supporting rebels raises alarms, while Machar’s residence is surrounded by troops. The situation indicates rising tensions, fueled by unrest in Upper Nile state, as the country continues to struggle with the implications of its civil war.
In South Sudan, tensions have escalated following the arrests of key political figures, including the oil minister and the deputy head of the armed forces, both allies of Vice President Riek Machar. General Gabriel Duop Lam was detained on accusations of supporting rebel factions in Upper Nile state. His arrest, confirmed by Machar’s spokesperson, has raised concerns over the stability of the country’s fragile peace agreement.
The ongoing rivalry between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Machar, which led to a devastating civil war from 2013 to 2018 resulting in approximately 400,000 deaths, remains a critical issue. Although a power-sharing agreement was instituted to resolve the conflict, several elements of the deal, particularly the scheduling of elections, have faced frequent delays.
Machar’s spokesman, Pal Mai Deng, expressed that General Lam’s arrest constitutes a violation of the peace agreement. He further stated that the significant military presence around Machar’s residence indicates rising tensions, threatening the stability of the existing agreement. Additionally, the oil minister, Puot Kang Chol, was arrested by the National Security Service, alongside family members and bodyguards, further heightening political instability in the region.
The unrest has been particularly pronounced in Upper Nile state, where the SSPDF has accused Lam and his troops of colluding with the White Army rebels, predominantly from the Nuer ethnic group. Recent reports from the UN Mission in South Sudan have highlighted intensified clashes in the area, resulting in civilian casualties amid the turmoil. As South Sudan continues to grapple with the lingering aftermath of civil war, the situation remains precarious, reflecting deep-rooted issues of governance and security in the nation.
The recent arrests of General Gabriel Duop Lam and Minister Puot Kang Chol signal a troubling escalation in South Sudan’s political crisis, posing significant risks to the nation’s fragile peace agreement. Amidst the backdrop of historic tensions and ongoing violence, the potential for renewed conflict looms larger, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and a reaffirmation of commitments to peace and stability.
Original Source: www.newagebd.net
