South Sudan Arrests Minister in Political Crackdown on Machar Allies

South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister, Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested, following the detainment of two other officials tied to First Vice President Riek Machar. These actions threaten the existing peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Machar, amid rising tensions and violent clashes in Upper Nile State.

On Thursday, Juba saw the arrest of Stephen Par Kuol, South Sudan’s Minister of Peacebuilding, reflecting escalating tensions in the nation’s leadership. His detention by the National Security Service marks the latest in a series of arrests targeting allies of First Vice President Riek Machar. Notably, this arrest follows the detainment of both the oil minister and the deputy head of the army, both senior members of Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).

The sequence of arrests is alarming as it raises fears about the stability of the fragile peace agreement established between President Salva Kiir and Machar following the civil war that concluded in 2018. South Sudan, having emerged from a protracted conflict, has seen renewed instability with violent clashes, particularly in the northeastern Upper Nile State, as government forces engage with rebels reportedly supported by Machar.

The United Nations has cautioned against escalating conflicts in Upper Nile State, noting the involvement of heavy weaponry and resulting casualties. In response to the burgeoning violence, regional nations and Western diplomatic representatives have jointly urged an end to the fighting. Notably, these nations emphasize that Juba-based leaders must prioritize peaceful dialogue and the welfare of the South Sudanese people.

The political landscape is further complicated by actions taken by President Kiir, which some analysts interpret as efforts to consolidate power by marginalizing Machar. Recently, Kiir dismissed two vice presidents without broader consultation, as well as the governor of Western Equatoria State, a key figure affiliated with Machar’s faction.

The arrest of Minister Stephen Par Kuol heralds a troubling escalation in South Sudan’s political climate, adding pressure to a fragile peace agreement. The sequence of detentions targeting allies of First Vice President Machar raises significant concerns about the stability of the unity government. Urging leaders to prioritize diplomacy, the international community remains watchful amid fears of renewed conflict due to the strained relations between the opposing factions.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com