Eight out of twenty-one individuals arrested alongside Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol have been released amid growing tensions in South Sudan. However, Machar and other senior officials remain in custody, prompting calls for their release and upholding of the peace agreement. Edmund Yakani emphasized the need for political maturity and dialogue to mitigate ongoing conflicts.
The Press Secretary of First Vice-President Riek Machar, Puok Both Baluang, announced the release of eight out of twenty-one individuals arrested with the Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol amid rising tensions in Nasir, Upper Nile State. Baluang confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that among those freed were relatives of the minister and named several released individuals.
The released individuals include Nelson Malou Lueng Makeny, Kun Tut Gatluak, Peter Magong Degay, Koang Puok Thoat, Biluny Puok Thoat, Buay Thichuong Buoy, Yien Dak Kuach, and Bidit Hoth Guandong. However, he highlighted that Minister Puot Kang Chol and Gen. Duop Lam, the SPLA-IO Chief of General Staff, remain in custody. Baluang reiterated the SPLM-IO’s appeal for their release and the release of others detained alongside them.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, supported the release of the eight but stressed the importance of releasing the remaining detainees. He emphasized the necessity to uphold the rule of law and human rights amid political instability among signatories of the 2018 peace agreement.
Yakani cautioned against resolving political disputes through violence, calling recent events following the Nasir conflict and leadership changes in Western Equatoria a feature of political immaturity. He warned that neglecting the responsibility to implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) could jeopardize its effectiveness.
Recent weeks witnessed escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir’s forces and those loyal to First Vice President Machar, with intensified government actions against Machar’s affiliates in response to clashes involving the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the White Army in Nasir County.
In summary, the release of eight detainees associated with First Vice-President Riek Machar marks a significant yet limited step in addressing ongoing political tensions in South Sudan. The situation underscores the urgent need for the government to prioritize human rights and political stability amidst the continued detainment of key figures. The call for cohesive political dialogue and adherence to the peace agreement remains critical to prevent further escalation of conflict.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
