Escalating Tensions in South Sudan: Arrests and Fears of Renewed Civil War

Recent arrests of political figures, including the peacebuilding minister in South Sudan, have heightened tensions amid fears of renewed civil war. Following violence between national forces and the White Army militia, concerns grow over the impact on peace efforts. Analysts stress the potential for further conflict as government forces target allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar, and calls for dialogue by church leaders emphasize the urgent need for resolution.

In South Sudan, tensions are escalating as government forces continue to detain allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar. On Thursday, authorities arrested Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, the peacebuilding minister, marking a notable shift in an ongoing dispute that church leaders fear could spark a renewed civil war. Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, confirmed the arrest via social media.

Earlier in the week, security forces also detained the country’s petroleum minister and senior military officials associated with Machar. These actions followed significant clashes in Upper Nile State between the national military and the White Army militia, predominantly composed of armed individuals from Machar’s ethnic group, the Nuer.

The South Sudanese government has yet to issue a statement on these arrests. However, Information Minister Michael Makuei recently accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the White Army to launch an attack on a military garrison in Upper Nile. During the brutal 2013-2018 civil war, the White Army aligned with Machar against the predominantly Dinka troops loyal to President Kiir.

The previous civil war resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities and displaced 2.5 million individuals. Although a peace agreement signed in 2018 has mostly maintained a fragile truce, localized violence continues, exacerbated by the ongoing civil unrest in neighboring Sudan that has provided armed groups with increased access to weapons.

Minister Kuol has been instrumental in the 2018 peace negotiations. In response to the deteriorating situation, church leaders have called attention to the rising insecurity and political strife, urging for discussions as a means to restore peace. Senior analyst Daniel Akech Thiong from the International Crisis Group stated that these arrests are indicative of heightened tensions and could provoke violence from opposition-linked armed groups against government installations.

The South Sudanese government had previously postponed national elections until December 2026, citing the need for additional preparation time.

The ongoing unrest in South Sudan, marked by the recent arrests of key political figures, highlights the fragile state of peace following years of civil war. With church leaders and analysts expressing deep concerns about escalating violence, the call for dialogue becomes increasingly urgent. The delays in the electoral process further complicate the situation, underscoring the need for immediate attention to stabilize the region and prevent a return to widespread conflict.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za