South Sudan has detained the petroleum minister and military officials linked to Riek Machar, causing concerns for the peace deal established post-civil war. Tensions between Machar and President Kiir persist, and the arrests could further destabilize the fragile political environment. The reason behind these actions remains unclear as military presence increases around Machar’s residence.
South Sudanese authorities have detained the petroleum minister, Puot Kang Chol, and several senior military officials affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar, as reported by a spokesperson for Machar. This development raises concerns regarding the stability of the peace agreement that was established following the civil conflict, which officially concluded in 2018 after a five-year struggle between Machar and President Salva Kiir.
The peace agreement has been critical in ceasing hostilities that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands. Despite a formal end to the civil war, the relationship between Machar and President Kiir remains tense, leading to periodic outbreaks of violence among rival factions.
Puok Both Baluang, the spokesperson for Machar, noted that many senior military officials supporting Machar have been placed under house arrest while the deputy head of the army was also arrested. Baluang mentioned that no official reason has been provided for the steps taken against these officials.
Additionally, South Sudanese military forces have been stationed around Machar’s residence; however, he was observed traveling to his office on Wednesday morning despite these security arrangements.
The recent detention of key officials in South Sudan poses a significant threat to the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. With the already strained relationship between Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir, the governance and stability of the nation remain precarious. Continued monitoring of this situation is necessary to understand its implications on South Sudan’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
