South Sudan’s government has arrested allies of Vice-President Riek Machar, raising concerns about the stability of the nation’s peace agreement amid ongoing violent clashes in Upper Nile State. This situation reflects the tension between President Salva Kiir and his deputy, challenging the political framework established to end years of civil strife. The international community is calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent a return to conflict.
The government of South Sudan has taken significant action by arresting Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam, both key allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar. This development has escalated concerns regarding the fragile peace agreement established after the civil war that ended in 2018. The arrests coincide with rising tensions and violent clashes in the northeastern Upper Nile State between government forces and rebels associated with Machar’s faction, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).
Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth reported that a government garrison was overrun by rebels, further complicating the situation. He accused the SPLM-IO of collaborating with a militia known as the White Army, composed of youths from the same ethnic community as Machar. The rising conflict has led to increased instability, which threatens to undo the power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Machar.
Following the arrests, Machar’s residence in Juba was surrounded by military forces, although he was not physically harmed. His spokesperson condemned the arrests as unjustified and a breach of the peace deal. The SPLM-IO has also called for international intervention to address the arrests and potential violations of the agreement, emphasizing the urgency of maintaining stability and avoiding a return to full-scale violence.
The civil war that erupted in 2013 has had devastating effects, claiming approximately 400,000 lives and leaving the country in dire poverty despite its oil wealth. Essential elements of the peace agreement remain incomplete, including the drafting of a constitution and the unification of armed forces. There is widespread concern that the latest political maneuvers by Kiir, aimed at consolidating his power, could lead to renewed conflict.
The international community, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, has responded by urging all parties to exercise restraint and commit to peaceful dialogue. On Wednesday, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) highlighted the risk of escalating violence and its effect on the humanitarian situation in South Sudan. Experts caution that without constructive communication between leaders, the nation could plunge back into conflict.
The arrests of key officials in South Sudan highlight the precarious nature of the nation’s peace agreement following a long-standing civil war. With ongoing tensions and violent clashes threatening stability, the potential for renewed conflict looms over the nation. It is vital for the leadership to prioritize dialogue and cooperation to avoid backtracking on hard-won peace efforts. Both regional and international bodies must remain vigilant in supporting the country’s fragile peace process.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
