The National Security Service has arrested Honourable Stephen Par Kuol along with other officials aligned with Vice President Riek Machar. This follows clashes in the Upper Nile State against the White Army militia. The government has not addressed these arrests directly; however, tensions are rising, prompting calls for dialogue and concern over escalating violence amidst postponed elections.
The National Security Service has made another significant arrest, detaining Honourable Stephen Par Kuol from his office shortly ago, as reported by spokesperson Puok Both Baluang on X. This follows the recent apprehension of the Petroleum Minister, the Deputy Head of the Army, and additional senior military officials aligned with Vice President Riek Machar.
The arrests occurred after intense clashes in the Upper Nile State between national forces and the White Army militia, a loosely organized faction primarily composed of individuals from Machar’s ethnic group, the Nuer. The government has refrained from commenting on the arrests; however, Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s factions of collaborating with the White Army to assault a military garrison near Nasir earlier this week.
Historically, the White Army fought alongside Machar during the civil war from 2013 to 2018 against the Dinka troops loyal to President Salva Kiir. The conflict resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities and displaced 2.5 million individuals within South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan just two years prior to the outbreak of war.
A peace agreement established in 2018 has largely curbed overt hostilities between Kiir and Machar’s forces, although sporadic violence persists. Political analysts note that the ongoing civil unrest in Sudan has enhanced the availability of weapons to armed factions. Kuol, who serves as the Peacebuilding Minister, participated in the 2018 peace negotiations.
In response to the current situation, church leaders have voiced concerns over the rising insecurity, political discord, and violence that undermine peace efforts, urging for constructive dialogue. Daniel Akech Thiong, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, remarked that these arrests signify a serious escalation, which could provoke armed responses from opposition-linked groups targeting government installations in Upper Nile and Jonglei states.
Moreover, the government has postponed national elections initially scheduled to occur last year until December 2026, citing the need for additional preparation time.
The recent arrests of Honourable Stephen Par Kuol and other officials signify escalating tensions in South Sudan, particularly in Upper Nile State. The ongoing conflict between national forces and the White Army highlights a fragile peace following the civil war. Calls for dialogue and concerns about increasing violence underscore the urgent need for stability in the region, while the postponed elections reflect a delay in moving towards a fully elected government.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
