South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested, jeopardizing the fragile peace process in the country. This follows previous arrests of senior officials allied with Vice President Riek Machar amid rising violence in the northern town of Nasir between national forces and militia groups. Information Minister Makuei accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the militia. Key political figures have also been detained, increasing tensions within the government.
On Thursday, South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, was apprehended by national forces, marking a significant disturbance to the already delicate peace process in the nation. This information was confirmed by Vice President Riek Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, who announced the arrest via social media.
The recent detainment of Minister Kuol follows a series of incidents involving senior officials loyal to Machar, amidst escalating violence, particularly in the northern town of Nasir. The region has witnessed intense clashes between South Sudan’s national forces and the White Army militia, predominantly consisting of armed Nuer, Machar’s ethnic group.
The White Army previously allied with Machar’s forces during the civil conflict extending from 2013 to 2018 against President Salva Kiir’s predominantly Dinka troops. Information Minister Michael Makuei has recently accused Machar’s forces of supporting the White Army in assaults on military positions near Nasir and did not provide comments regarding Kuol’s arrest, despite his role in the 2018 peace agreement negotiations.
In addition to Minister Kuol’s arrest, Vice President Machar’s circle has seen the recent detention of several high-profile figures, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and deputy army chief Gabriel Doup Lam, in a move that raises concerns over the fragile power dynamics within the South Sudanese leadership.
The arrest of Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, Minister of Peacebuilding, and other officials poses a significant challenge to South Sudan’s peace process. This unrest follows violent confrontations between national forces and militia groups in Nasir and indicates deepening tensions among the nation’s leadership. The recent actions hint at serious implications for ongoing peace negotiations and highlight the pressing need for stability within the region.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
