South Sudan has detained its petroleum minister and senior military officials allied with First Vice President Riek Machar, jeopardizing a peace deal. The arrests follow recent fighting in Nasir between national forces and the White Army militia, leading to concerns about potential renewed conflict in the region. Observers stress the importance of effective leadership to navigate this escalating crisis.
The South Sudanese military has detained the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chol, along with several senior military officials affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar. This development threatens a peace agreement established to end the civil war, according to Machar’s spokesperson. The arrests resulted from increased conflict in Nasir between national forces and the White Army militia, an armed group that predominantly consists of members from Machar’s ethnic group, the Nuer.
The officials arrested include both Minister Kang Chol and the Deputy Head of the Army, Gabriel Doup Lam. Additional military leaders linked to Machar have been put under house arrest as tensions escalate. As of now, no official reasons have been provided regarding the detentions, stated Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, while security forces have been deployed around Machar’s residence.
The South Sudanese Civil War, which began shortly after the nation gained independence from Sudan, resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and displaced millions. The peace deal enacted in 2018 had mostly curtailed large-scale fighting between Machar and President Salva Kiir’s forces, though localized violence remains commonplace. Recently, the African Union and United Nations called for de-escalation in the Upper Nile region, highlighting an atmosphere fraught with the risk of widespread conflict.
Ter Manyang, the head of the Center for Peace and Advocacy in Juba, expressed concerns regarding the potential return to war due to the current situation in Nasir. He emphasized the necessity for strong leadership to manage the crisis effectively, warning that the country may regress into violence if not handled appropriately.
In summary, the recent detainment of key political and military figures in South Sudan poses significant threats to the fragile peace established by a prior agreement. With rising tensions in the strategic region of Nasir, both local and international bodies advocate for de-escalation to prevent a return to widespread violence. The situation remains precarious, underscoring the urgent need for decisive leadership to stabilize the country.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
