Military Surrounds South Sudan Vice President’s Residence Amid Rising Tensions

South Sudan army surrounds Vice President Riek Machar’s home amid unrest, following the arrest of several allies after armed group activity. Concerns over peace agreement stability are rising, and calls for de-escalation are being voiced by officials and Western envoys. The country’s election schedule remains stalled due to financial issues, complicating the peace process further.

On Wednesday, South Sudanese soldiers established a perimeter around Vice President Riek Machar’s residence in Juba, following the arrest of several of his allies. This action came after an armed faction associated with Machar seized control of an army base in northern South Sudan.

Machar has expressed concerns that the dismissal of numerous allies from governmental positions jeopardizes the 2018 peace accord with President Salva Kiir, which concluded a devastating civil war claiming over 400,000 lives. Among those detained was Deputy Army Chief Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, whose loyalty lies with Machar, alongside Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and his family.

While neither Machar nor his political party, SPLM-IO, has issued statements regarding the recent conflict, party spokesperson Water Minister Pal Mai Deng stated that Lam’s arrest jeopardizes the entire peace agreement. In light of this unrest, Western envoys have called for a reduction in tensions among leadership.

Ter Manyang Gatwich, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, has urged the immediate release of those detained to prevent escalation into what he termed a “full-scale war.” Notably, South Sudan has not fully enacted the 2018 peace agreement, with elections that were planned for last year delayed by two years due to financial constraints.

The situation surrounding Vice President Riek Machar’s home exemplifies the volatile political environment in South Sudan. The recent arrests and military encirclement could potentially destabilize the already fragile peace agreement established in 2018. Urgent calls for de-escalation and the release of detainees underscore the need for sustained dialogue to prevent further violence in the region.

Original Source: apnews.com