South Sudan’s government accused opposition leader Riek Machar of conspiracy, leading to calls from the SPLM-IO for his release. Despite tensions, officials assert that the fragile 2018 peace agreement remains intact. Authorities are urging peace and dialogue to resolve the escalating crisis, emphasizing commitment to peace processes established previously.
South Sudan’s government has accused Vice President Riek Machar of conspiracy, amidst escalating tensions requiring the immediate release of the opposition leader by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO). Consequently, no faction desires to undermine the fragile 2018 peace agreement, which remains pivotal in maintaining stability.
President Salva Kiir ordered Machar’s arrest, based on alleged communications he had with opposition figures since March. In light of these accusations, the government insists that a return to war is not imminent, assuring that the peace agreement remains intact and will be upheld under any circumstances, according to Information Minister Michael Makuei.
In a plea for peace, Stephen Par Kuol, South Sudan’s peace minister and opposition figure, emphasized the necessity for stakeholders to adhere to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and uphold the permanent ceasefire established in the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. He urged the South Sudanese population to maintain composure during this challenging period.
Despite a shift in tone from the armed opposition, they reiterated their demand for Machar’s release and that of other detained officials, who are facing investigations for allegedly inciting unrest ahead of elections. The SPLM-IO called upon the African Union and the United Nations for assistance in facilitating dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but was plunged into a five-year conflict from 2013 to 2018 that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths, concluding with a peace deal that was never fully implemented, particularly in the area of power-sharing between Machar and Kiir.
The current crisis in South Sudan has prompted serious accusations against Vice President Riek Machar, which the government asserts do not threaten the existing peace agreement. Key figures are calling for adherence to previous treaties, emphasizing that effective dialogue is crucial to avoiding further conflict. The situation underscores the fragility of peace in a nation still recovering from a tumultuous past.
Original Source: efe.com
