The Peacebuilding Minister of South Sudan was released after being detained by security forces loyal to President Kiir. This incident follows multiple arrests of officials aligned with Riek Machar, raising concerns about the peace agreement that ended a civil war. Clashes in Nasir involving the White Army further complicate the political situation, prompting regional and international calls for calm.
In South Sudan, security forces loyal to President Salva Kiir have released Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol, a significant ally of First Vice President Riek Machar. His release followed recent arrests of several officials aligned with Machar, causing escalating tensions that risk undermining a fragile peace established by a 2018 agreement. The recent detentions included the petroleum minister and a deputy military chief, raising concerns about stability in the region.
Tensions have increased after violent clashes occurred in the strategic town of Nasir, involving national forces and the White Army militia, primarily composed of Nuer members. The White Army had previously allied with Machar during the civil war from 2013 to 2018 against Kiir’s predominantly Dinka forces. Although Machar’s party has denied any connection to recent violence, Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the militia against military installations.
Despite formal peace existing since the 2018 agreement, South Sudan frequently experiences ethnic violence among rival groups. In light of this unrest, representatives from IGAD, the United Nations, the African Union, and RJMEC convened with Machar to urge a restoration of order in Upper Nile State, where conflicts have escalated. Meanwhile, the government has yet to address the recent detentions directly, indicating the sensitive nature of political disagreements within the nation.
In summary, the release of South Sudan’s Peacebuilding Minister highlights ongoing tensions in the country, exacerbated by recent arrests of officials aligned with Riek Machar. The continued violence, particularly in Nasir, underscores the fragile nature of peace in South Sudan. International bodies are actively seeking to mediate the situation, aiming for stability amidst lingering ethnic conflicts.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
