Political Tensions Escalate in South Sudan Amid Arrests of Key Officials

Following recent arrests of allies to First Vice President Riek Machar in South Sudan, the Peacebuilding Minister has been released, albeit amid ongoing tensions and violence. Other officials remain detained as clashes continue between rival factions. Key regional entities are urging a return to calm following the unrest.

South Sudan has officially been in a state of peace since the 2018 agreement concluded a five-year conflict that resulted in significant loss of life. Nevertheless, inter-community violence continues to erupt. Recently, forces loyal to President Salva Kiir arrested multiple supporters of First Vice President Riek Machar, including the Peacebuilding Minister, heightening tensions within the government.

After a series of detentions between Tuesday and Thursday, the Peacebuilding Minister, Stephen Par Kuol, was released early Friday morning. This release follows the unlawful detention of him and three of his staff members by the National Security. Meanwhile, the Petroleum Minister and the Deputy Head of the Military remain in custody, according to Machar’s spokesman, Puok Both Baluang.

In a concerning move, security forces have been deployed around Machar’s residence. Despite this, he managed to travel to his office earlier in the week. The arrests were preceded by intense clashes in Nasir, a significant town in the northern region, involving national forces and the White Army militia, predominantly composed of Machar’s Nuer ethnic group.

The White Army played a crucial role alongside Machar’s forces during the civil war between 2013 and 2018, opposing predominantly Dinka troops loyal to Kiir. The South Sudanese government has largely remained silent regarding these detentions. However, Information Minister Michael Makuei has accused Machar’s supporters of working with the White Army to attack a military garrison in Nasir earlier this week, a claim that Machar’s party has refuted.

As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, officials from IGAD, the United Nations, the African Union, and RJMEC convened to discuss the escalating situation with Machar. They urged all involved parties to ease tensions in Upper Nile State, which includes the contentious region of Nasir. Despite the formal peace established in 2018, violence persists as communities remain at odds with one another.

In summary, South Sudan’s recent political turmoil underscores the fragility of peace established by the 2018 agreement. The detention and subsequent release of key figures, coupled with ongoing violence between communities, pose significant challenges to stability. The involvement of international and regional bodies highlights the urgent need for dialogue and conflict resolution to restore tranquility to the region.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke