The arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam and other SPLM-IO officials has been labeled a serious violation of the peace deal in South Sudan. This development raises significant concerns about the stability and future of the peace agreement, as clashes between military forces and the White Army threaten to escalate tensions. Calls for commitment to peace are essential to avoid further conflict.
The recent arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam, a prominent figure from South Sudan’s main opposition, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), has been deemed a significant breach of the peace agreement that concluded the lengthy civil conflict. Alongside General Lam, several senior officials related to Vice-President Riek Machar were also detained, exacerbating tensions in the politically volatile nation.
Vice-President Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, expressed uncertainty regarding the whereabouts and well-being of the detained officials, emphasizing the need for a commitment to peace from all parties involved to avert any return to conflict. In response, President Salva Kiir, through government spokesperson Michael Makuei, maintained that the country would not revert to war and justified the arrests as being in accordance with legal protocols.
Since its independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has experienced significant turmoil, with a civil war erupting just two years post-independence. The conflict stemmed from a rift between Kiir and Machar, leading to the tragic death of approximately 400,000 individuals and displacing millions. Although a peace deal was established in 2018, implementation challenges persist.
General Lam, overseeing the SPLM-IO’s military operations, was taken into custody alongside Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol, who was apprehended by security forces during nighttime. Additionally, the army’s interactions with Machar have escalated, with reports of military officials being placed under house arrest.
The backdrop of these arrests includes reports of clashes between government troops and the White Army militia, a group that historically allied with Machar during the civil war. Observations suggest that the current conflict could further destabilize the peace efforts, with warnings issued by the UN and African Union regarding potential escalations. Ter Manyang of the Center for Peace and Advocacy warned of a possible regression to war if the situation is not addressed swiftly by leadership in South Sudan.
The recent arrests of opposition leaders in South Sudan have raised significant concerns regarding the stability of the peace agreement. With previous violence and ongoing tensions, it is critical for all parties to exercise caution and demonstrate a commitment to peace. The future of South Sudan’s governance remains subject to developments as the nation braces for elections in 2026, amidst these unsettling circumstances.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
