South Sudan is facing escalating political tensions following the arrest of Vice President Riek Machar, accused of conspiracy. Despite the crisis, government officials assert the peace accord from 2018 remains intact. Leaders urge for the implementation of ceasefire agreements and call for dialogue to address the situation, as past conflicts still loom over the nation’s stability.
South Sudan’s current political tension intensified as the government accused Vice President Riek Machar of conspiracy after his arrest, ordered by President Salva Kiir. This development emerges amidst fears surrounding the fragile nature of the peace accord established in 2018 between the government and the opposition group, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).
Following Machar’s arrest, Minister of Information Michael Makuei reassured that there is no imminent threat of returning to war, affirming, “The peace agreement is still in place and will be implemented (…) The peace agreement has not collapsed and will not collapse under any circumstances.”
In Juba, Stephen Par Kuol, the peace minister, urged the signatories of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement to adhere to the permanent ceasefire to foster sustainable peace. He emphasized, “We reaffirm our firm commitment to the peace process through the Revitalised Peace Agreement,” calling for calm among citizens.
After SPLM-IO’s spokesman declared that Machar’s detention could signal a collapse of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the armed opposition moderated its statements while insisting on Machar’s release and calling for dialogue to de-escalate tensions. They urged the African Union and United Nations to assist in resolving this crisis.
Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has been marked by conflict, including a civil war from 2013 to 2018 that resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities. The peace deal reached during this tumultuous period entailed a power-sharing agreement, although many of its critical terms remain unfulfilled.
In summary, the ongoing crisis in South Sudan revolves around the arrest of opposition leader Riek Machar, with both the government and opposition expressing their desire to maintain the fragile peace deal from 2018. Calls for adherence to established ceasefires and the implementation of peace agreements underscore the hope for stability. All parties are encouraged to engage in dialogue, with international support deemed essential in preventing further escalation of tensions.
Original Source: efe.com
