South Sudanese forces have detained key officials, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, associated with First Vice President Riek Machar, amid escalating violence in Nasir. These arrests could jeopardize the peace deal established after years of civil war, raising concerns about renewed conflict as international bodies urge de-escalation. Experts warn of a potential return to war if the situation is not managed effectively.
South Sudanese authorities have detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several senior military officials supportive of First Vice President Riek Machar, according to Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang. This development threatens the stability of the peace agreement that concluded the civil war. The arrests follow significant clashes in the strategic northern town of Nasir, resulting from conflicts between national forces and the White Army militia, predominantly comprised of Machar’s ethnic group, the Nuer.
The White Army previously aligned with Machar’s forces during the civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018, facing off against President Salva Kiir’s ethnic Dinka troops. Details surrounding the arrests remain unclear, as Baluang stated no reasons have been given by the authorities. Additionally, South Sudanese troops have been deployed near Machar’s residence, although he managed to reach his office on Wednesday morning.
The information minister, Michael Makuei, has not responded to inquiries about the situation, but he announced plans to hold a press conference soon. The civil war in South Sudan, which erupted shortly after the country’s independence from Sudan, has claimed approximately 400,000 lives and displaced 2.5 million individuals, leaving near half of the country’s population struggling to secure food.
Despite a 2018 peace agreement largely preventing major conflicts between Kiir and Machar’s forces, sporadic violence continues throughout the nation. The African Union and United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan recently urged de-escalation in Upper Nile State, highlighting the risk of “widespread violence.” Ter Manyang from the Center for Peace and Advocacy expressed concern, stating that without proper management from the country’s leaders, further conflict is likely.
The recent detention of South Sudan’s Petroleum Minister and military officials threatens the fragile peace established after the civil war. With ongoing violence in Nasir, concerns rise over the stability of the nation and potential renewed conflict. The country’s leaders face crucial decisions that could determine the direction of South Sudan’s future amidst these tensions.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
