South Sudanese forces have detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several military officials aligned with Vice President Riek Machar, jeopardizing the fragile peace after years of civil war. This follows violent clashes in Nasir between national forces and the White Army militia. Concerns grow regarding the potential for renewed conflict in the nation unless top leaders manage the escalating situation effectively.
South Sudanese forces have apprehended Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several high-ranking military officials loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar, as confirmed by Machar’s spokesperson. These developments pose a significant threat to the peace agreement that concluded the civil war. The arrests were made amidst escalating clashes in the strategic northern town of Nasir, involving national forces and the White Army militia, predominantly composed of armed Nuer fighters, Machar’s ethnic group.
The White Army previously allied with Machar’s troops during the civil war (2013-2018), which primarily opposed ethnic Dinka forces supporting President Salva Kiir. Along with Minister Chol, military deputy Gabriel Doup Lam was detained, and other officials supportive of Machar were placed under house arrest. Spokesperson Puok Both Baluang noted that no reasons for these arrests have been communicated to them.
In a concerning development, troops have been stationed around Machar’s residence, although he managed to proceed to his office early on Wednesday. The government’s information minister, Michael Makuei, has not provided immediate comments but is expected to hold a press conference later in the day. South Sudan’s civil war, which broke out shortly after the nation’s independence in 2011, resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities and displaced 2.5 million individuals, with many citizens facing severe food shortages.
While the peace deal established in 2018 has primarily curtailed large-scale confrontations between Kiir and Machar’s forces, sporadic violence is frequently reported. Recently, the African Union and United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan urged for a de-escalation of tensions in Nasir and cautioned against the possibility of widespread violence. Ter Manyang, the director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy in Juba, expressed concerns that unless the situation is adeptly managed, the country risks reverting to conflict.
The arrest of South Sudanese officials allied with First Vice President Riek Machar amidst rising violence threatens the fragile peace established after years of civil war. The detention of key figures, including the petroleum minister, underscores the volatility in the region, and without effective intervention from leadership, there are fears of a return to widespread conflict. Continuous monitoring and de-escalation efforts are essential to prevent further destabilization.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
