Increased Security Measures Around Dr. Riek Machar’s Residence Raise Alarms Over Peace Agreement

The SPLM-IO has expressed alarm over heavy military deployment around Dr. Riek Machar’s residence, following the arrest of Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam. This escalation threatens the fragile peace agreement in South Sudan, prompting calls for immediate de-escalation and the release of detained officers.

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has raised concerns about the excessive presence of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) surrounding the residence of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar. This situation poses a threat to the delicate peace agreement established in 2018, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, which has faced obstacles, particularly regarding the unification of armed factions.

Dr. Machar leads the SPLM-IO, while President Salva Kiir heads the ruling SPLM. Recent security measures intensified following the arrest of Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, a senior figure within the armed forces, by Gen. Paul Nang, the Chief of Defence Forces. The SPLM-IO spokesperson, Pal Mai Deng, condemned this act, suggesting it violates the revitalized peace agreement and threatens the integrity of the Joint Defence Board, which supervises the combined military efforts under the accord.

Amid rising tensions, the SPLM-IO has demanded Gen. Lam’s swift release and cautioned against any further escalation, particularly after violent incidents reported in Nasir County. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), confirmed the SSDF’s blockade around Dr. Machar’s residence, expressing that this creates public unease and could hinder the peace process. Eyewitness accounts noted a significant uptick in military personnel around Machar’s dwelling in the Amarat neighborhood.

Attempts to contact SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang for a statement were unsuccessful. Anonymous sources revealed that the detained officers include Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam and Lt. Gen. Wesley Welebe, with their arrest linked to clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army in the Nasir area. These developments follow a crucial presidential meeting aimed at confronting the escalating violence and insecurity in several regions, with participation from high-ranking officials, including Dr. Machar himself.

In summary, the SPLM-IO’s alarm over increased military presence around Dr. Riek Machar’s residence highlights rising tensions in South Sudan, exacerbated by the arrest of Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam. The situation poses significant risks to the fragile peace agreement and has led to public concern and heightened security measures. Calls for de-escalation are crucial to maintaining stability in a tumultuous political environment.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org