South Sudan’s army has surrounded Vice President Riek Machar’s home amid the arrest of several allies following an armed group’s takeover of an army base. Concerns have been raised about the risk to the 2018 peace deal between Machar and President Salva Kiir. Western diplomats are urging de-escalation as key political figures remain detained.
On Wednesday, South Sudanese soldiers encircled the residence of Vice President Riek Machar in Juba, following the arrest of several of his allies. The military action ensued after an armed faction associated with Machar seized control of an army base in northern South Sudan. Historical tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir are underscored by the potential jeopardizing of a pivotal 2018 peace agreement that concluded a brutal civil war, resulting in over 400,000 fatalities.
The Deputy Army Chief, General Gabriel Duop Lam, a supporter of Machar, was apprehended on Tuesday in connection with the northern conflict. Additionally, Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, along with his bodyguards and family, was arrested on Wednesday without any stated justification. Neither Machar nor his political faction, SPLM-IO, have made public statements regarding these developments, yet allegations of destabilizing measures loom large.
Water Minister Pal Mai Deng, acting as a spokesperson for the SPLM-IO party, voiced concerns that Lam’s detention could gravely endanger the entire peace agreement. In light of the escalating tensions, Western diplomats have urged regional leaders to act towards de-escalation. Ter Manyang Gatwich, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, has emphasized the urgent need for the release of those detained to prevent the situation from escalating into a “full-scale war.” The implementation of the 2018 peace agreement remains incomplete, with the elections originally scheduled for last year postponed by two years, citing insufficient funding.
In conclusion, the recent military encirclement of Vice President Riek Machar’s home, alongside the arrests of key allies, signals a potential resurgence of conflict in South Sudan. The precarious nature of the existing political landscape and the calls for de-escalation highlight the fragile state of peace, emphasizing the urgent need to address these tensions to maintain stability and prevent further violence.
Original Source: kstp.com