The arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam by South Sudan’s military, amid escalating violence in the Upper Nile state, threatens the stability of the 2018 power-sharing peace agreement. Vice-President Riek Machar’s representative condemned the arrest as a breach of the deal, which sought to mitigate ongoing tensions and violence stemming from the rivalry between leaders Kiir and Machar after years of civil unrest.
The recent arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam, deputy head of South Sudan’s armed forces, has raised significant alarms concerning the country’s fragile peace agreement. Versatile spokesperson for Vice-President Riek Machar highlighted that Lam’s detention occurred amid violent confrontations in Upper Nile state. The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), loyal to President Salva Kiir, accused Lam and his troops of aiding rebel factions, largely comprised of the Nuer ethnic group, of which Machar is a prominent leader.
Machar’s representative, Pal Mai Deng, condemned the arrest, emphasizing its violation of the 2018 power-sharing accord that concluded South Sudan’s devastating civil war. This incident jeopardizes the already tenuous political stability established by the peace agreement, which was designed to end the conflict that has resulted in a staggering 400,000 deaths. Consequently, it raises questions about the ongoing commitment to peace among South Sudan’s leadership.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan has reported a worrying surge in violence in the Upper Nile region, with clashes involving heavy weaponry leading to significant military and civilian casualties. Despite the 2018 peace deal aimed at resolving the conflict driven by the rivalry between Kiir and Machar, hostilities continue to persist in the nation, now independent from Sudan since 2011.
In summary, General Gabriel Duop Lam’s recent arrest threatens the precarious peace established by the 2018 power-sharing agreement in South Sudan. With violence escalating in Upper Nile, ongoing tensions between Kiir and Machar’s factions raise critical concerns regarding the sustainability of peace in this nascent nation. The need for renewed commitment to the agreement is imperative to prevent further discord and ensure civilian safety.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
