Arrests of South Sudan Officials Raise Alarms Over Peace Agreement Stability

The arrests of South Sudan’s oil minister and deputy army head, both allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar, exacerbate concerns over the fragile peace agreement established after a civil war. Escalating tensions, particularly violent clashes in Upper Nile State, threaten the unity government formed by President Salva Kiir and Machar. Calls for international intervention grow as the situation potentially endangers the hard-won peace and humanitarian conditions in the region.

The recent arrest of South Sudan’s oil minister and deputy army head, both allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar, has heightened concerns regarding the stability of the country’s peace agreement. Following a civil war that concluded in 2018, South Sudan’s unity government, formed between President Salva Kiir and Machar, now faces escalating tensions that threaten its continuation. Violent clashes in Upper Nile State, reportedly involving Machar’s forces and rebels, have underscored these tensions.

On Tuesday morning, a government garrison in Upper Nile was reportedly overtaken by rebels, leading to allegations from Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth against Machar’s faction, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), and their supposed alliance with the White Army, a militia comprised of youths from the Nuer ethnic group. In the wake of this attack, both Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and General Gabriel Duop Lam were arrested, raising serious concerns about compliance with the peace deal.

Machar’s residence in Juba was reportedly surrounded by military forces, further complicating the tense political climate. His spokesperson criticized the arrests as lacking legal justification, while the SPLM-IO acknowledged the detentions, asserting that they represent a violation of the peace agreement and could provoke renewed violence. The continuing unrest, coupled with unmet provisions of the peace agreement—such as unifying armed forces and holding elections—casts a shadow over the future stability of the nation.

International entities have expressed deep concern over the resurgence of violence and its humanitarian implications. The United Nations has specifically noted an uptick in heavy clashes in Upper Nile State. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged for de-escalation efforts to preserve the fragile agreements reached and to protect humanitarian conditions in the region.

The recent events in South Sudan, particularly the arrests of key political figures and ongoing military confrontations, pose a serious threat to the fragile peace agreement established in 2018. Continued violence and the failure to address significant aspects of the peace deal could plunge the nation back into conflict, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention and a commitment to dialogue among South Sudan’s leaders. The situation demands comprehensive efforts from domestic and international stakeholders to prioritize the interests of the populace and preserve stability.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr