General’s Arrest in South Sudan Poses Risk to Peace Agreement

The arrest of South Sudan’s General Gabriel Duop Lam threatens the peace deal, with accusations of rebellion complicating the political landscape. Spokesperson Pal Mai Deng condemned the detention as a violation of the 2018 agreement. Recent escalation of violence in Upper Nile state, reported by the UN, further exacerbates concerns for the nation’s stability.

The recent arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam, the deputy head of South Sudan’s armed forces, has raised serious concerns regarding the nation’s fragile peace deal. His detention was executed by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), which support President Salva Kiir, who accused him of colluding with rebels in Upper Nile state. This region is particularly significant as many rebels, like Lam, are from the Nuer ethnic group, associated with Vice-President Riek Machar.

Critically, Machar’s spokesperson, Pal Mai Deng, condemned this action, asserting that it undermines the 2018 power-sharing agreement designed to stabilize the country and end the civil conflict. This agreement followed a disastrous five-year civil war that resulted in the loss of approximately 400,000 lives.

The situation in Upper Nile state is concerning, with reports from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan indicating a spike in violence, especially in Nassir. Armed confrontations involving heavy weaponry have led to both civilian and military casualties, intensifying fears about the sustainability of peace in South Sudan since its independence from Sudan in 2011.

In summary, the arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam poses a significant threat to the already fragile peace in South Sudan. The escalating violence, particularly in Upper Nile state, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the nation since the civil war. The response from both leaderships and international bodies will be crucial in determining the future stability of South Sudan.

Original Source: newscentral.africa