South Sudan has detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several military officials aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar, raising concerns for a tenuous peace deal post-civil war. The arrests coincide with increased fighting in Nasir between government forces and the White Army militia. Experts warn that, without decisive leadership, the nation could relapse into conflict.
Recent developments in South Sudan have led to the arrest of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and other senior military officials closely associated with First Vice President Riek Machar. These actions have raised concerns about the stability of a fragile peace deal that ended a devastating civil war. The arrests occurred amid escalating conflict in the strategically significant town of Nasir, where government forces have been battling the White Army militia, largely composed of Nuer individuals, Machar’s ethnic group.
The detentions of Minister Kang Chol and Army Deputy Chief Gabriel Doup Lam, along with house arrests imposed on other top military officials loyal to Machar, have sparked apprehension regarding the reasons behind the arrests. No clear explanation has been provided to Machar’s office, as confirmed by his spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang. He stated that, although South Sudanese troops have been positioned around Machar’s residence, he managed to reach his office on Wednesday morning, suggesting immediate tensions in the region.
The civil war in South Sudan, which erupted shortly after its independence from Sudan, resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities and displaced 2.5 million citizens. Despite a 2018 peace agreement significantly reducing large-scale violence, sporadic confrontations continue to occur. The recent conflict in Nasir has led the African Union and United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan to urge for de-escalation in the area, warning of the potential for widespread violence.
Ter Manyang, a peace advocacy leader based in Juba, expressed grave concerns about the political climate, connecting the arrests to the intensified fighting in Nasir. He cautioned that the nation may revert to war if the leadership fails to address the growing unrest effectively. The ongoing turmoil in South Sudan reflects the precarious balance of power and the urgency for sustained peace initiatives to prevent further disarray.
The arrests of pivotal figures in South Sudan’s government indicate deepening political unrest that threatens the fragile peace established after years of civil war. The connection between military actions in Nasir and the arrests underscores the need for effective leadership to stabilize the situation. Without immediate intervention and peace efforts, the risk of renewed conflict remains high, potentially impacting millions of citizens already facing severe challenges. In this context, the call for de-escalation by international bodies is critically relevant.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
