Political arrests in South Sudan threaten the fragile peace established after years of conflict, as several key figures allied with First Vice President Riek Machar were detained by government forces. The arrest of Stephen Par Kuol and other politicians has heightened fears of renewed violence, particularly following recent clashes in Nasir between state forces and the White Army militia. Analysts caution that the country’s stability is precarious and at risk of collapse.
Recent political arrests in South Sudan have raised concerns of a possible resurgence of conflict following the fighting in Nasir between state forces and a militia. Notably, Stephen Par Kuol, the minister of peacebuilding, was detained by the National Security Service, leading to fears of destabilization in the nation. Additionally, other prominent figures related to First Vice President Riek Machar, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief Gabriel Duop Lam, have also been arrested without explanation, heightening tensions within the political landscape.
The arrests have been linked to confrontations in Nasir involving the White Army militia, primarily composed of individuals from the Nuer ethnic group, which has historically opposed President Salva Kiir. This group fought alongside Machar during the five-year conflict that followed South Sudan’s 2011 independence. The fragile peace established by a 2018 deal now appears tenuous, with observers cautioning against potential large-scale violence.
While the South Sudanese government has rejected claims of an impending war, analysts like Daniel Akech Thiong from the International Crisis Group emphasize that the existing peace in South Sudan is precarious and may collapse should further violence escalate. Observers remain vigilant of the political developments in the region as the situation unfolds and political tensions grow.
The recent arrests of key political figures associated with Riek Machar in South Sudan signify a potential unraveling of the delicate peace established after years of conflict. The increasing tensions, particularly in Nasir, suggest that the country’s stability may be at risk. As the government downplays concerns of war, experts warn of the rapid escalation potential, urging close monitoring of the evolving political environment.
Original Source: www.okayafrica.com
