South Sudan: Release of Peacebuilding Minister Amid Rising Tensions

South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister was released by security forces after his arrest, following tensions arising from the detainment of several senior officials linked to First Vice President Riek Machar. Despite the release, the petroleum minister and military deputy remain in custody, amidst ongoing violence in Nasir. Efforts by various organizations to promote peace are underway.

On Friday, South Sudanese security forces released the peacebuilding minister, Stephen Par Kuol, who is a key ally of First Vice President Riek Machar, according to Machar’s spokesman. This release took place following a spike in tensions caused by the arrests of several senior officials linked to Machar, including the petroleum minister and a deputy military head.

From Tuesday to Thursday, a series of arrests were made involving several of Machar’s associates, which raised concerns regarding a peace deal that ended a civil war between the forces of President Salva Kiir and those of Machar. “(Peacebuilding minister) Stephen Par Kuol … who was unlawfully detained yesterday … was released this morning at 05:00 a.m.,” stated Machar’s aide Puok Both Baluang on social media.

While the peacebuilding minister has been released, the petroleum minister and the deputy military head remain in custody. Security forces have also been reportedly positioned around Machar’s residence, although he has continued to visit his office. The unrest stems from violent clashes in the northern town of Nasir between national forces and the White Army militia, an informal group primarily composed of members from Makhar’s ethnic group, the Nuer.

The White Army previously allied with Machar’s forces during the civil war from 2013 to 2018, which was characterized by conflict between Machar’s Nuer and Kiir’s predominantly Dinka troops. The South Sudan government has not issued a statement regarding the recent detentions, while Information Minister Michael Makuei has accused Machar’s faction of collaborating with the White Army in an attack on a military garrison in Nasir.

Despite a declared peace following a 2018 agreement, violence between rival communities remains prevalent. Recently, representatives from IGAD, the United Nations, the African Union, and RJMEC convened with Machar to urge all parties to restore tranquility in Upper Nile State, where Nasir is situated.

The recent release of the peacebuilding minister in South Sudan highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges within the nation’s political landscape. While the release seems to alleviate some immediate concerns, the continued detention of key officials and the clashes in Nasir underline the fragile nature of peace and governance in the country. Ongoing efforts by regional and international bodies to mediate and restore stability are crucial for maintaining order and preventing further violence among communities.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com