Opposition Lawmaker Gatwech Lam Arrested Amid Rising Political Tensions in South Sudan

Gatwech Lam Puoch, an opposition lawmaker in South Sudan and member of SPLM-IO, was arrested by National Security Service in Juba. His detention follows increased political tensions amidst violent clashes in Nasir, and concerns have risen regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. Additional security forces have been deployed around Riek Machar’s residence but reasons remain unclear.

Gatwech Lam Puoch, a prominent opposition lawmaker in South Sudan, was arrested in Juba on Tuesday afternoon. He is a senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) and represents Nasir County in Parliament. The arrest was executed by the National Security Service (NSS) at his residence in the Thonypiny neighborhood, and he is currently held at the NSS detention center known as the Blue House.

Puok Both Baluang, press secretary for First Vice President Riek Machar, confirmed the arrest of Mr. Gatwech but did not provide any further details. As a key figure within the SPLM-IO, which is led by Mr. Machar, Mr. Gatwech’s detention highlights the increasing political tensions between the factions supporting President Salva Kiir and those allied with Mr. Machar.

The arrest follows recent violent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, resulting in multiple fatalities, including an SSPDF commander. This violence contributed to a government crackdown targeting allies of Mr. Machar, marked by the detention of the petroleum minister and senior military officials. Mr. Gatwech’s arrest is believed to be connected to his recent political activities, particularly a call for halting SSPDF deployments to Nasir.

On February 20, he was part of a group advocating for consultation with local communities before military deployments. These recent developments have raised concerns regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement, which concluded a five-year civil war and outlined a pathway to elections amidst ongoing delays.

Furthermore, significant security enhancements have been reported around First Vice President Riek Machar’s residence, with approximately 42 NSS personnel deployed at the compound. The reasons for this increased security remain unconfirmed, although some sources speculate it may be connected to the burial of a commander from the SSPDF killed in the recent violence.

The arrest of Gatwech Lam Puoch underscores the escalating political tensions in South Sudan, particularly between the factions aligned with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Such actions, alongside enhanced security measures around Mr. Machar’s residence, fuel concerns over the stability of the current political landscape and the fragile peace agreement established in 2018. Continued unrest could jeopardize the country’s path toward elections and governance following years of civil conflict.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org