Key officials in South Sudan, including the petroleum minister, were arrested amidst fears of a coup targeting a faction within the government. The SSPDF detained a lieutenant general as tensions rise following violence in Upper Nile. Both political stability and the risk to the power-sharing agreement are now under threat, as President Kiir insists on preventing further conflict.
In South Sudan, a significant crackdown has resulted in the arrests of several senior officials, including Puot Kang Chol, the petroleum minister, and Lieutenant General Gabriel Doup Lam. These actions occurred amid concerns of a potential coup targeting a faction within the power-sharing government. The arrests took place at the minister’s home in Juba, with involvement from the National Security Service, as reported by the ministry’s press secretary.
The arrests followed the detention of General Lam by troops from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), loyal to President Salva Kiir, who also surrounded Vice President Riek Machar’s residence. Machar’s spokesperson emphasized that Lam’s arrest contradicts the 2018 power-sharing agreement, stating, “This act puts the entire agreement at risk.” The spokesperson also expressed concerns about the military presence around Machar’s residence.
No formal explanations have been provided for the arrests, but they may stem from ongoing violence in the eastern Upper Nile state, where ethnic Nuer rebels have clashed with government troops. The SSPDF has accused General Lam and his predominantly Nuer forces of collusion with the rebels, further escalating tensions in the region.
Since the civil war erupted in December 2013, South Sudan has struggled with violence, resulting in immense human suffering. The 2018 peace deal has not been fully realized, leaving the power-sharing government fragile amidst ongoing poverty and violence. Following these recent arrests, President Kiir reaffirmed the government’s commitment to avoiding a return to conflict, as stated by a government spokesperson.
The recent arrests in South Sudan highlight escalating tensions within its fragile power-sharing government. The detentions of senior officials, including the petroleum minister and a lieutenant general, underline the risks to the 2018 peace agreement. Despite President Kiir’s assurances against a return to war, the political landscape remains perilous, exacerbated by ongoing violence and a lack of political stability following years of civil conflict.
Original Source: www.dw.com
