Security forces in South Sudan released peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol, a key ally of First Vice President Riek Machar, following recent tensions and arrests of officials aligned with Machar. Arrests included several prominent figures such as the petroleum minister and deputy military head, amidst clashes involving the White Army militia. International bodies have called for calm and dialogue following these events.
In a recent development, security forces in South Sudan have released the peacebuilding minister and a key ally of First Vice President Riek Machar, following heightened tensions and arrests of senior officials. Between Tuesday and Thursday, these forces detained multiple Machar supporters, including the minister of petroleum and a deputy military head, thereby jeopardizing the existing peace agreement that concluded the civil war between factions led by Kiir and Machar.
Spokesman Puok Both Baluang confirmed the release of Stephen Par Kuol and three of his staff at 5:00 a.m. Following the arrests, security personnel were positioned around Machar’s residence; however, he managed to commute to his office. As of Friday, other detained officials, such as the petroleum minister, remain in custody.
The arrests coincided with significant clashes in Nasir, northern South Sudan, involving national forces and the White Army militia, which consists primarily of the Nuer ethnic group associated with Machar. The White Army participated alongside Machar’s forces during the previous civil conflict against the Dinka loyal to Kiir between 2013 and 2018.
Government officials have refrained from commenting on the recent detentions. Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s loyalists of working with the White Army to assail a military garrison near Nasir, whereas Machar’s party has denied any engagement in recent fighting. Although the country has technically been at peace since the 2018 agreement, violence remains pervasive among rival communities.
On Thursday, representatives from regional organizations, the United Nations, and peace oversight bodies convened with Machar to urge the restoration of peace in Upper Nile State, the region encompassing Nasir.
In summary, the release of the peacebuilding minister marks a significant yet fragile moment in South Sudan’s ongoing political turbulence. While some officials have regained their freedom, others remain detained amid heightened tensions following violent clashes. The international community continues to advocate for dialogue and a restoration of peace in the region, emphasizing the delicate balance needed to maintain the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
