Arrest of South Sudan MP Gatwech Lam Fuels Political Tensions

Gatwech Lam Puoch, a prominent opposition lawmaker in South Sudan, was arrested by the National Security Service in Juba. His detention is linked to political activities amid rising tensions between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. This situation raises concerns over the stability of the 2018 peace agreement, especially following recent violent clashes.

Gatwech Lam Puoch, a notable opposition lawmaker in South Sudan, was arrested in Juba on Tuesday afternoon. He serves as a senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) and represents Nasir County in Parliament. His arrest was conducted by the National Security Service (NSS) at his residence and he is currently detained at the NSS’s Blue House facility.

The press secretary for First Vice President Riek Machar, Puok Both Baluang, confirmed the arrest without divulging additional details. Mr. Gatwech is a significant figure in the SPLM-IO, which is led by Mr. Machar, who is the first vice president under a power-sharing agreement established in 2018.

This arrest occurs amidst heightened political tensions between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and those supporting Mr. Machar. Recent violent confrontations in Nasir, Upper Nile State, have resulted in multiple fatalities and have triggered a crackdown against Machar’s allies by President Kiir’s regime.

Mr. Gatwech’s detention is seemingly tied to his political activities, particularly his recent advocacy against the deployment of military forces in local regions without community consultation. This development raises concerns regarding the stability of the ongoing 2018 peace agreement, which aimed to unify South Sudan’s governance structure and facilitate elections.

Furthermore, there has been an increase in security presence at Vice President Machar’s residence, with approximately 42 NSS personnel dispatched to the location. While some speculate that this deployment is connected to the recent burial of an SSPDF commander, an official explanation for the actions has yet to be released.

In summary, the arrest of Gatwech Lam Puoch underscores the escalating political tensions within South Sudan, particularly between opposing factions. The implications of his detention and increased security measures surrounding key political figures raise significant concerns about the sustainability of the peace agreement established in 2018. These developments highlight the fragile nature of South Sudan’s political landscape and the potential for further unrest.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org