South Sudanese forces arrested critical allies of First Vice President Riek Machar, including General Gabriel Duop Lam and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, amid increased military presence around Machar’s residence. The arrests threaten the 2018 peace deal following recent violence in Upper Nile. Key figures express concerns over the implications for peace and stability in the region.
In a concerning development in South Sudan, government forces have arrested key affiliates of First Vice President Riek Machar amidst heightened tensions. Key figures include General Gabriel Duop Lam, the deputy army chief and Machar supporter, arrested on Tuesday, along with Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and his family on Wednesday amidst an increased military presence surrounding Machar’s residence in Juba.
The motive behind these arrests remains unclear, occurring following a violent incident in which an armed faction allied with Machar overtook an army base in Upper Nile state. This escalation has raised alarms regarding the stability of the peace agreement established in 2018, which concluded a devastating five-year civil war that claimed over 400,000 lives.
Water Minister Pal Mai Deng, a spokesperson for Machar’s SPLM-IO party, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “This action violates the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan and cripples the Joint Defence Board… puts the entire peace agreement at risk.” Other officials loyal to Machar reportedly face house arrest, while another spokesperson noted that no justification for these detentions has been provided.
Major-General Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the South Sudan army, remained silent on the matter, refraining from commenting on the ongoing military operations around Machar’s abode. The civil war that erupted in December 2013 following Machar’s dismissal by President Salva Kiir has led to severe humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and in need of aid. Increased unrest has been cited in Upper Nile, with accusations against Lam of colluding with rebel groups opposing the government.
In light of escalating violence, Ter Manyang Gatwich, the executive director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, has called for the immediate release of the detained officials to prevent further violence and the potential outbreak of a larger conflict.
The arrest of key allies of Riek Machar marks a critical and dangerous moment for South Sudan, risking the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. The situation underlines heightened tensions with the potential for significant escalation in violence, as underscored by calls for urgent intervention and the release of detainees. The international community’s attention is drawn to the dire implications of these developments on the stability of South Sudan, a nation already beset by the scars of civil war and humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
