South Sudan has witnessed the arrest of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and military officials allied with First Vice President Riek Machar amidst rising tensions in Nasir. These actions pose a risk to the peace deal established in 2018 following civil conflict. Concerns arise regarding the potential resurgence of violence if the situation is not managed effectively.
Recent developments in South Sudan involve the arrest of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several senior military officials associated with First Vice President Riek Machar. This situation arises amidst increasing violence in the northern town of Nasir, where national forces have been clashing with the White Army militia, primarily composed of Nuer members, Machar’s ethnic group.
The recent arrests include Gabriel Doup Lam, the deputy head of the army, with other senior military officials placed under house arrest. Puok Both Baluang, Machar’s spokesperson, stated that no reasons have been provided for these detentions. Furthermore, South Sudanese troops have been stationed around Machar’s residence, although he managed to attend work as usual on Wednesday.
The government’s information minister, Michael Makuei, has not responded to inquiries regarding the arrests but is expected to address the media later. The civil conflict in South Sudan, which began shortly after independence in 2011, resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and displaced 2.5 million people.
A peace agreement initiated in 2018 has largely curtailed large-scale conflict; however, localized violence persists. Last week, both the African Union and United Nations peacekeeping forces urged for de-escalation in Upper Nile State, highlighting risks of broader violence. Ter Manyang, director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, has indicated that unless the leadership effectively manages the situation, the country risks descending back into war.
In summary, the detainment of South Sudan’s Petroleum Minister and military officials allied with First Vice President Riek Machar signifies a troubling escalation in tensions, undermining the fragile peace established following the civil war. The situation in Nasir warrants urgent attention, as local violence threatens stability, prompting calls for de-escalation from international bodies. South Sudan’s leadership faces a critical juncture in navigating these challenges to ensure national peace and security.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
