Arrests of South Sudan Leaders Jeopardize Peace Agreement

South Sudan has arrested key figures, including Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol and General Gabriel Duop Lam, allies of Vice-President Riek Machar, raising concerns about the fragile peace deal established after years of civil war. The military’s actions threaten the stability of the agreement and could lead to renewed violence in the region.

The situation in South Sudan has escalated as troops arrested key figures associated with Vice-President Riek Machar, including General Gabriel Duop Lam and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol. Their arrests raise concerns about the fragile peace agreement established following the civil war, which claimed approximately 400,000 lives from 2013 to 2018. Both officials are accused of supporting rebels in Upper Nile state, intensifying fears regarding national stability.

Machar’s spokesman confirmed that General Lam’s arrest on Tuesday has heightened tensions, as it allegedly breaches the peace deal, prompting serious concerns regarding its viability. The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), aligned with President Salva Kiir, have reportedly surrounded Machar’s residence, hinting at the potential for further conflict as military actions unfold.

The arrest of Minister Chol, alongside his family and bodyguards at his home in Juba, was conducted by the National Security Service, indicating a systematic effort to address unrest in the Upper Nile region. Humanitarian reports have noted increased fighting and civilian casualties in Nassir county, exacerbating the dire conditions in the country.

Since achieving independence from Sudan, South Sudan has struggled with ongoing violence and poverty, reflecting the urgent need to address the underlying issues impeding lasting peace. The recent developments indicate an alarming trajectory that may threaten the already tenuous peace agreement.

The arrests of General Gabriel Duop Lam and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol signal a troubling development for the peace agreement in South Sudan. With allegations of support for rebel groups and rising military tensions, the situation poses significant risks to national stability. The ongoing conflict, stemming from the rivalry between Kiir and Machar, necessitates urgent attention to ensure that the fragile peace is maintained.

Original Source: www.newagebd.net