In South Sudan, Vice President Riek Machar faces accusations of conspiracy following his arrest by President Salva Kiir. The government and opposition maintain the importance of the 2018 peace deal despite escalating tensions. Calls for dialogue and adherence to peace agreements are crucial for maintaining stability, with international support being sought for conflict resolution.
South Sudan’s political climate remains tense as the government accuses Vice President Riek Machar of conspiracy. The opposition, represented by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), demanded Machar’s immediate release following his arrest by President Salva Kiir’s orders. Each side appears unwilling to jeopardize the fragile 2018 peace deal, despite the escalating crisis.
Following Machar’s arrest, South Sudanese Information Minister Michael Makuei reassured that there is no imminent threat of returning to war. He insisted, “The peace agreement is still in place and will be implemented,” emphasizing that the agreement has not and will not collapse amid the current political turmoil.
South Sudan’s peace minister, Stephen Par Kuol, urged all signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement to uphold the permanent ceasefire and the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. He declared that adhering to these accords is essential for achieving sustainable peace and urged the populace to remain calm during this crisis.
In a response to the situation, SPLM-IO’s spokesperson previously claimed that Machar’s arrest threatened the peace process, labeling the country as “on the brink of civil war.” There has been a shift in rhetoric following subsequent statements, with the SPLM-IO continuing to demand Machar’s release and that of other detained officials, while advocating for dialogue to alleviate tensions.
The SPLM-IO urged the African Union and the United Nations to engage in facilitating discussions to resolve the ongoing crisis. Since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, the country has endured significant conflict, including a five-year civil war that resulted in the deaths of approximately 400,000 people. This conflict concluded with a peace deal between Kiir and Machar, yet many key provisions of that agreement remain unfulfilled.
The political landscape in South Sudan is fraught with tension following the arrest of Vice President Riek Machar, with both the government and opposition stressing the importance of maintaining the fragile peace deal established in 2018. Appeals for dialogue and adherence to peace treaties have emerged as crucial components for averting further conflict. The international community’s involvement is sought to facilitate discussions aimed at achieving stability in the nation.
Original Source: efe.com
