Arrests of Vice-President Allies in South Sudan Undermine Peace Agreement

The arrest of allies of South Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar has raised alarms about the fragile peace deal established after the civil war. Tensions between government forces and Machar’s supporters threaten the unity government, exacerbated by political actions from President Salva Kiir. Experts warn that without dialogue, the nation may revert to conflict, creating a dire humanitarian situation.

South Sudanese authorities have apprehended key allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar, including the country’s oil minister and the deputy head of the army, amidst rising concerns regarding the fragile peace agreement. South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, concluded a prolonged civil war with a power-sharing pact between President Salva Kiir and Mr. Machar in 2018. However, escalating tensions pose a threat to their coalition government, particularly due to violent confrontations occurring in Upper Nile State, where clashes between government forces and rebels linked to Machar’s faction continue.

According to Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth, ongoing rebellions in the northeastern region resulted in the government garrison being overwhelmed by opposing forces. He asserted that Machar’s group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), has allied with the White Army, an armed youth faction from Machar’s Nuer ethnic group. Following these developments, General Gabriel Duop Lam, the deputy army chief, and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, have been detained by authorities. Furthermore, the army surrounded Machar’s residence in Juba, although he was present at his office the subsequent day, as noted by his spokesman.

The civil conflict that erupted between Kiir and Machar in 2013, shortly after the nation’s independence from Sudan, resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities. The two leaders are representatives of the Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups, respectively. Numerous crucial aspects of the peace agreement remain unmet, including constitutional drafting, electoral processes, and the unification of armed forces, while the nation continues to grapple with profound poverty despite its substantial oil resources.

Machar’s spokesperson criticized the recent detentions, labeling them as violations of the peace agreement and urging intervention from international partners. The spokesperson stated, “This act puts the entire agreement at risk,” emphasizing the necessity for external support to prevent a return to widespread violence.

The United Nations has expressed concern over escalating conflicts in Upper Nile State, highlighting the use of heavy weaponry leading to casualties. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, comprising eight regional nations, has indicated that the ongoing clashes threaten the stability gained through the peace agreement and may worsen the already challenging humanitarian situation in the area.

Amidst these tensions, President Kiir has made several political maneuvers perceived as efforts to fortify his power and marginalize Machar. Recently, Kiir dismissed two vice-presidents from the unity government without consulting other stakeholders and removed a governor associated with Machar’s faction. Abraham Kuol Nyuon, an associate professor of political science at the University of Juba, remarked that the nation risks falling into renewed conflict, stating, “Mostly our leaders are aggressive to each other… without embracing dialogue… and that could take this country back to conflict.”

In summary, the recent arrests of allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar in South Sudan have ignited concerns over the stability of the peace agreement established post-civil war. Continued clashes in Upper Nile State and political maneuvers by President Salva Kiir only deepen the crisis. The situation emphasizes the vital role of international intervention to uphold peace and prevent a regression to violence. As highlighted by experts, the failure of leaders to engage in dialogue may further escalate tensions and jeopardize the future of South Sudan.

Original Source: www.newsofbahrain.com