South Sudanese forces have detained petroleum minister Puot Kang Chol and military officials tied to Vice President Riek Machar amid escalating violence in Nasir, raising concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace deal that ended the civil war. Local leaders fear potential renewed conflict unless the situation is managed effectively.
In South Sudan, authorities have detained petroleum minister Puot Kang Chol and several senior military officials associated with First Vice President Riek Machar, a spokesperson stated. These arrests pose a significant threat to the fragile peace agreement that concluded the civil war. The detentions follow a surge in violence in Nasir, where clashes have erupted between national forces and the White Army militia, primarily composed of Nuer fighters, Machar’s ethnic group.
The White Army previously aligned with Machar during the civil war from 2013 to 2018, facing off against pro-Kiir forces predominantly comprised of ethnic Dinka. The outlined arrests include both Minister Puot and the deputy army chief Gabriel Doup Lam, while other officials linked to Machar have been placed under house arrest. Puok Both Baluang, spokesperson for Machar, noted that no reasons have been provided for these detentions.
South Sudanese troops have increased their presence around Machar’s residence, although he managed to visit his office on the morning following the arrests. The government’s information minister, Michael Makuei, has not commented directly but indicated a forthcoming news conference for further explanation.
The ongoing civil war, which erupted shortly after the country achieved independence from Sudan, has resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and has displaced 2.5 million individuals, aggravating food insecurity affecting nearly half of the nation’s population. Although a peace agreement was established in 2018, localized confrontations remain common. Recent calls for de-escalation from the African Union and the United Nations emphasize the urgent need to prevent escalation in conflicts in Upper Nile State.
Ter Manyang, from the Center for Peace and Advocacy, has expressed concerns regarding the implications of the recent arrests. He warns of a possible return to widespread conflict unless the highest levels of leadership effectively manage the ongoing situation.
The detention of South Sudan’s petroleum minister and military officials allied with First Vice President Riek Machar underscores the precarious nature of peace in the nation. With a history marred by civil strife, these developments could threaten the stability established by the 2018 peace deal, especially in the context of recent violence in Nasir. Local and international entities are calling for urgent de-escalation to prevent a rekindling of large-scale conflict.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
