South Sudan’s Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol has been released after being detained, amid rising tensions following the arrest of several allies of First Vice President Riek Machar. The recent arrests jeopardize the 2018 peace agreement, and clashes continue between national forces and the White Army militia. Regional bodies are advocating for calm and dialogue to support the peace process.
The Peacebuilding Minister of South Sudan, Stephen Par Kuol, has been released by security forces following his detention, according to a statement from First Vice President Riek Machar’s spokesperson. The release took place after several officials aligned with Machar were arrested, raising concerns about the stability of the peace deal established in 2018, which ended a five-year conflict.
In a recent three-day span, South Sudanese forces detained key figures, including Machar’s allies in the government, prompting fears of escalating political tensions. While Kuol was released early Friday, the petroleum minister and a military deputy remain in custody. Despite increased security around Machar’s residence, he has continued to fulfill his duties.
The recent detentions occurred amid violent clashes in Nasir, where national forces engaged with the White Army militia, primarily composed of the Nuer ethnic group, among whom Machar is a prominent leader. Although clashes have intensified, Machar’s party has denied involvement in recent violence, despite government claims linking them with the White Army.
Officials from regional organizations and international bodies have called for de-escalation and dialogue to maintain peace within South Sudan, particularly in Upper Nile State, the site of current tensions. These developments occur against the backdrop of South Sudan’s ongoing struggles to maintain peace, as sporadic violence continues to affect the country, despite the cessation of hostilities formalized in the 2018 agreement.
The recent detention and subsequent release of Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol highlight ongoing political instability in South Sudan. The arrests of several key officials raise serious concerns regarding the tenuous nature of the 2018 peace agreement. As international and regional entities urge for restored calm, the situation underscores the challenges the nation faces in achieving lasting peace and stability amidst persistent ethnic conflicts.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
