Gatwech Lam Puoch, an opposition MP in South Sudan, was arrested by the NSS in Juba. His detention is linked to rising political tensions within the SPLM-IO and has drawn attention to fears regarding the 2018 peace agreement. Enhanced security measures around Riek Machar’s residence indicate growing unrest within the political landscape.
Gatwech Lam Puoch, a prominent opposition lawmaker in South Sudan, was arrested in Juba on Tuesday afternoon. He is a senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO) and represents Nasir County in Parliament. His detention was conducted by the National Security Service (NSS) at his home in the Thonypiny neighborhood, and he is now being held at the Blue House, a facility notorious for its treatment of detainees.
The arrest has been confirmed by Puok Both Baluang, press secretary for First Vice President Riek Machar, though he refrained from giving further specifics about the situation. Mr. Gatwech’s role in the SPLM-IO is significant, especially as the party is led by Mr. Machar, who serves as the first vice president under the 2018 power-sharing agreement, pivotal to the country’s governance framework.
This incident fortifies existing political tensions between President Salva Kiir’s supporters and those aligned with Vice President Machar. Recently, violent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State resulted in fatalities, including an SSPDF commander, leading to increased repression from Kiir’s administration against Machar’s backers, further underscored by the arrests of senior military officials.
Mr. Gatwech’s arrest is believed to be related to his recent advocacy against SSPDF deployments. On February 20, he joined fellow lawmakers urging that local communities be involved in decisions regarding military presence in their regions, highlighting the need for community consultation.
The series of events casts doubt on the stability of the 2018 peace agreement, which was intended to foster unity and pave the way for elections post-civil war. However, progress has stagnated amid growing unrest. In another related report, it has been noted that enhanced security has been deployed around Riek Machar’s residence, yet the purpose of this deployment remains undetermined, with connections made to the recent burial of a fallen commander from Nasir, still unconfirmed by officials.
The arrest of Gatwech Lam Puoch, a key opposition leader, signals increasing political unrest in South Sudan, particularly amidst rising tensions between the SPLM-IO and the ruling party. This incident raises concerns about the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, which is essential for stability and progress towards future elections. Current developments, including the bolstered security around Vice President Machar’s residence, suggest an environment of escalating political sensitivity necessitating close scrutiny.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
