South Sudan has recently apprehended key allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar, raising alarms over the fragile peace agreement established in 2018. The situation has intensified amid violent clashes in Upper Nile State, leading to international calls for restraint and dialogue to avoid a return to conflict. Key components of the peace deal remain unfulfilled, exacerbating fears of renewed civil war.
In South Sudan, the arrest of key figures, including the oil minister and deputy army chief, has raised concerns regarding the stability of the country’s peace agreement. These individuals are known allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar, whose faction is currently in conflict with government forces led by President Salva Kiir. The situation has escalated particularly in Upper Nile State, where violent clashes are reported.
The government has accused Machar’s movement, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), of collaborating with the White Army, a group of armed youths from Machar’s ethnic community. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth informed the media about the conflicts and described an attack on a government garrison by rebel forces. In response to the unrest, Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and General Gabriel Duop Lam have been arrested.
Riek Machar’s residence was surrounded by army troops, although Machar was reported to be at his office at the time. Following the arrests, Machar’s spokesperson condemned the actions, stating they undermine the peace agreement and called for intervention from international partners to avert a complete relapse into violence. The political climate remains tense, due to previous political maneuvers by Kiir that appear to diminish Machar’s influence.
The United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have voiced concerns over the potential escalation of conflict and emphasized the urgent need for peace talks. Various international embassies have joined in urging restraint among the conflicting parties. Furthermore, significant aspects of the existing peace accord remain unimplemented, raising fears that the recent arrests could exacerbate South Sudan’s already dire humanitarian conditions, potentially leading to renewed conflict if dialogues are not embraced among the leadership.
The recent arrests of allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar have sparked significant concerns regarding the stability of the peace agreement in South Sudan. Amid ongoing clashes in Upper Nile State and accusations of collaboration between Machar’s movement and armed groups, political tensions are visibly escalating. International calls for restraint and dialogue have emerged as critical in preventing a return to conflict.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
