IGAD has urged South Sudan to release recently detained officials linked to Vice-President Riek Machar amid rising tensions that threaten peace. Recent arrests and allegations of military collaboration underscore ongoing political strife, despite a formal peace since 2018. The bloc emphasizes the need for legal transparency and restoration of security arrangements.
On Wednesday, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a coalition of eight East African nations, urged South Sudan’s government to release detained officials and remove security restrictions to avert escalating tensions. This comes in light of recent arrests linked to First Vice-President Riek Machar and a spate of violent clashes that threaten to undermine the 2018 peace deal that ended a devastating civil war in the country.
Despite the official peace status since 2018, animosity persists between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, prolonging instability in South Sudan. Notably, arrests of a deputy military chief and two ministers associated with Machar have raised concerns about the potential resurgence of conflict, particularly after violent confrontations near the strategic town of Nasir.
During a virtual meeting, IGAD’s executive secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, emphasized the urgent need for the South Sudanese government to release these officials or pursue legal proceedings grounded in credible evidence and transparency. The bloc also recommended a reinstatement of normal security protocols to stabilize the situation.
South Sudan’s government spokesperson, Michael Makuei, had previously indicated that the detained officials breached legal protocols. The government has accused Machar’s loyalists, including the White Army militia, of orchestrating attacks against military forces; however, Machar’s party has firmly refuted these allegations. One minister and eight initial detainees were subsequently released, but approximately 20 individuals remain imprisoned as tensions continue to mount.
Adding to the unrest, South Sudanese military units were positioned around Machar’s residence last week, although he has since maintained access to his office. Furthermore, a new arrest of a lawmaker allied with Machar was reported while the official was en route to parliament.
The East African bloc IGAD’s call for the release of detained officials and the restoration of security provisions highlights significant concerns over escalating tensions in South Sudan. The ongoing political rivalry and recent arrests signal a precarious situation that could threaten the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. Continued diplomatic intervention will be crucial to ensuring stability.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
