South Sudan’s Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol was arrested, marking the third significant detention of leaders aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar. This series of arrests raises concerns over the stability of the peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Machar. Tensions have escalated due to ongoing violent clashes in Upper Nile State, prompting calls from international bodies for an end to fighting and increased dialogue.
On Thursday, South Sudan’s Minister of Peacebuilding, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested, marking the latest incident in a series of detentions of leaders affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar. “The National Security Service (NSS) has struck again, arresting Hon. Stephen Par Kuol from his office a few minutes ago,” stated Puok Both Baluang, Machar’s press secretary, on Facebook.
This arrest follows the detainment of the oil minister and the deputy head of the army, who are also prominent allies of Machar and senior members of his party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO). These actions have raised serious concerns regarding the stability of the already fragile peace agreement established between President Salva Kiir and Machar following the end of a five-year civil war in 2018.
The prevailing tensions threaten the unity government, exacerbated by ongoing violent clashes in Upper Nile State. Reports indicate that these clashes involve the army and rebels purportedly supported by Machar’s forces. The United Nations has voiced alarms regarding the increasing conflicts, highlighting the use of heavy weaponry and numerous fatalities in the region.
In response, regional countries and Western embassies collectively issued a statement calling for an end to the hostilities. They emphasized that “Juba-based leaders must demonstrate their commitment to peaceful dialogue and should put the interest of the South Sudanese people first,” indicating the urgent need for resolution.
Additionally, there is mounting criticism surrounding President Kiir’s political maneuvers, which many analysts interpret as efforts to reinforce his political power while marginalizing Machar. Last month, Kiir dismissed two of the five vice presidents without consulting other stakeholders and removed a governor affiliated with Machar’s movement, further intensifying political instability.
The recent detentions in South Sudan, encompassing the arrest of Minister Stephen Par Kuol and his associates, illustrate a significant threat to the fragile peace established post-civil war. With rising tensions, violent clashes reported in Upper Nile State, and critical statements from international observers, the urgency for commitment to peaceful dialogue becomes paramount. Such developments underscore concerns surrounding the consolidation of power by President Kiir, potentially undermining the unity government.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
