South Sudan’s political stability is jeopardized following the arrest of Lieutenant General Gabriel Doup Lam, a close ally of First Vice President Riek Machar. Security forces have also surrounded Machar’s residence, sparking fears over the integrity of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded the civil war. The recent actions threaten to undermine trust between competing factions and pose risks of renewed violence.
In South Sudan, tensions have escalated following the arrest of a high-ranking military official affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar. As reported by Machar’s spokesperson, Pal Mai Deng, security forces have surrounded Machar’s residence, prompting concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. This agreement, which formally ended a five-year civil war that resulted in extensive loss of life and displacement, is now at risk due to these developments.
On Tuesday, General Paul Nang, head of South Sudan’s defense forces, detained Lieutenant General Gabriel Doup Lam, causing alarm among political leaders. Deng emphasized that this action undermines the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, particularly endangering the Joint Defence Board tasked with overseeing military forces. The spokesperson further expressed unease regarding the substantial deployment of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) around Machar’s residence, indicating a loss of confidence between rival factions.
The civil war, which erupted in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir dismissed Machar, caused an estimated 400,000 fatalities and displaced over 2.5 million people. The conflict has compounded the nation’s humanitarian crises, with the populace facing severe food shortages. Notably, the country’s oil production, a crucial economic asset, has since declined. In 2016, violent confrontations between Machar’s and Kiir’s forces erupted in the capital, underscoring the longstanding animosity between the two leaders.
The recent arrest of a senior military figure allied with First Vice President Riek Machar and the deployment of troops around his residence have raised significant concerns regarding the viability of the 2018 peace agreement in South Sudan. As the political climate deteriorates, the potential for renewed conflict looms, threatening the fragile stability achieved after years of civil war. These developments highlight the urgent need for dialogue and a commitment to peace among all parties involved.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
