South Sudan’s government has arrested two key allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar, raising alarms about the stability of the peace deal established after a five-year civil war. Increasing tensions, violent clashes, and political maneuvering by President Salva Kiir could undermine the unity government and spark renewed conflict. International intervention is being urged to safeguard the fragile peace agreement.
In South Sudan, authorities have detained key figures, including the oil minister and deputy army chief, both aligned with First Vice-President Riek Machar, amid rising concerns for the fragile peace agreement. Since concluding a civil war in 2018 through a power-sharing deal with President Salva Kiir, the nation has faced intensifying tensions that could unravel this unity government, particularly in the Upper Nile State where violent confrontations are reported.
Recent conflicts have intensified in Upper Nile State, where government forces claim to be engaged in battles with rebels allied to Machar. According to Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth, rebels overran a government garrison, leading to ongoing skirmishes. He linked Machar’s movement, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), to the White Army, an armed ethnic youth group from the Nuer community, further exacerbating ethnic tensions.
The arrests of Machar’s close associates, General Gabriel Duop Lam and Puot Kang Chol, have raised alarms regarding the peace agreement. Machar’s residence was also secured by army forces, though he was later seen at his office. His spokesperson condemned the arrests, asserting they jeopardize the peace initiative and calling for international intervention to stave off violence. The ongoing discord invokes memories of the previous civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities and reflects the unresolved issues within the peace agreement.
The United Nations has expressed concern over escalating violence in the region, warning of the use of heavy weaponry and mounting casualties. In response to the deteriorating situation, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development highlighted the potential risks to the hard-fought peace agreement, which may further worsen the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. Political maneuvers by President Kiir, viewed as consolidating his power and marginalizing Machar, have added to the volatility.
Political analysts caution that the nation stands on the brink of renewed conflict. Abraham Kuol Nyuon of the University of Juba underscores the necessity for dialogue over aggression among leaders as the path toward peace and stability in South Sudan remains uncertain.
The recent arrests of key allies of First Vice-President Riek Machar in South Sudan pose a significant threat to the fragile peace agreement achieved after years of civil conflict. With rising violence and political machinations by President Salva Kiir, there are urgent calls for international intervention to prevent a return to full-scale war. The challenges to unity within the government highlight the unresolved issues within the peace accord and the dire humanitarian situation facing the country.
Original Source: www.newsofbahrain.com
