South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister, Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested as part of a crackdown on allies of First Vice President Riek Machar. This action follows the detainment of other senior officials and raises concerns over the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. Tensions continue to grow amid violent clashes in Upper Nile State, prompting calls from international bodies for an end to hostilities and a renewed commitment to dialogue.
On Thursday, South Sudan’s peacebuilding minister, Hon. Stephen Par Kuol, was arrested by the National Security Service (NSS). This incident marks the latest in a series of detentions aimed at allies of First Vice President Riek Machar. Puok Both Baluang, Machar’s press secretary, reported the arrest from Kuol’s office, raising concerns regarding the stability of the peace agreement between leaders Salva Kiir and Machar.
Kuol’s detention follows recent arrests of senior members of Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), including the oil minister and the deputy head of the army. These developments have heightened fears about the continuation of the power-sharing agreement that was established in 2018, following a five-year civil war.
Increasing tensions have threatened the fragile unity government, particularly due to violent clashes in the northeastern Upper Nile State. The government alleges that these conflicts involve Machar’s forces, with the United Nations documenting the use of “heavy weaponry” in these encounters, leading to multiple casualties.
Joint statements by regional countries and Western embassies emphasize the necessity to cease hostilities. They urge Juba-based leaders to prioritize the interests of the South Sudanese people and to commit to peaceful dialogue. Such calls have been articulated by entities including the United States, Britain, and the European Union.
Criticism has arisen concerning President Kiir’s political maneuvers, perceived as efforts to strengthen his position at the expense of Machar. Last month, Kiir dismissed two vice presidents from the unity government without adequate consultation, alongside removing a governor affiliated with Machar’s movement.
The recent arrests of political figures linked to Riek Machar highlight escalating tensions within South Sudan’s fragile government. Concerns regarding the stability of the peace agreement persist, particularly with ongoing violence in Upper Nile State and a lack of dialogue. The international community urges an immediate focus on peaceful negotiations to ensure the welfare of the South Sudanese people and the survival of the unity government.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
