Escalating Tensions in Juba Following Arrest of Senior SPLM-IO Officers

Tensions in Juba have heightened following the arrest of four senior SPLM-IO officers, attributed to recent clashes in Nasir County. The situation remains tense despite a leadership meeting intended to resolve conflicts, with broader tensions identified in various regions. Calls for the release of the detained officers emphasize the fragile state of peace in South Sudan.

Tensions have significantly increased in Juba, South Sudan, following the arrest of four senior military officers from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) at the army headquarters. A senior SPLM-IO official identified the detained officers as General Gabriel Duop Lam, the Deputy Chief of the Defense Forces for Operations, and Lieutenant General Wesley Welebe, among others. These arrests are believed to be connected to recent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed youth in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.

Despite an emergency meeting of SPLM-IO leadership in Juba intended to address the disputes in Nasir and surrounding regions, the atmosphere remains precarious. The official noted that there are heightened tensions not only in Juba but also in various regions housing SPLA-IO forces, including Abyei, Twic, Eastern Equatoria, and Jonglei. He expressed concern over the prolonged presence of military forces in these areas, which has reportedly strained relations with local residents.

Compounding the situation, Ter Manyang Gatwech, the Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, has urged President Salva Kiir to release the detained officers, claiming their continued detention threatens the delicate peace in the country. His appeal highlights the broader implications of the arrests linked to the recent takeover of Nasir by the White Army, a youth militia group. Gatwech emphasizes that the population is fatigued by ongoing conflict and calls for a shift towards developmental discussions instead.

The unfolding events raise significant concerns regarding the stability of South Sudan’s peace process. The potential for escalating tensions looms large if the situation remains unaddressed, with threats to both national security and international perceptions of the country’s ongoing struggles.

The situation in Juba illustrates the volatile nature of South Sudan’s political landscape, particularly following the arrest of senior SPLM-IO officers. The ongoing tensions reflect deep-rooted conflicts between military forces and local populations, exacerbated by historical grievances. Calls for the release of detained officers highlight the urgency of preserving peace, while the need for developmental initiatives is increasingly apparent in public discourse. Moving forward, addressing these underlying issues may prove vital in ensuring the stability of South Sudan’s peace process.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org