South Sudan security forces have released peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol after his unlawful detention. This release follows tensions due to the arrest of senior officials linked to Vice President Riek Machar. Key ministers, including the petroleum minister, remain in custody, as the government manages ongoing violent clashes. Efforts are being made by regional and international organizations to promote peace.
The peacebuilding minister of South Sudan, Stephen Par Kuol, has been released by security forces associated with President Salva Kiir. This follows the detention of several senior officials linked to First Vice President Riek Machar, escalating the existing tensions. Arrests occurred between Tuesday and Thursday, targeting Machar’s allies, including the petroleum minister and a deputy military chief, posing a risk to the peace agreement that concluded South Sudan’s civil war.
Machar’s spokesman, Puok Both Baluang, confirmed the minister’s release on Friday morning, stating that Kuol and three of his staff members were unlawfully detained by the National Security. Despite the release of Kuol, the petroleum minister and the deputy military head remain in custody, as reported by Baluang.
Tensions persisted with security forces surrounding Machar’s residence, although he is still able to conduct his official duties. Recent clashes in Nasir, a key area, have intensified, involving national forces and the White Army, an irregular militia largely comprising Nuer individuals, Machar’s ethnic group. This group previously fought alongside Machar’s forces during the civil war.
Government representatives have not provided comments regarding the detentions. Information Minister Michael Makuei has accused Machar’s forces of aiding the White Army in an attack on a military base. However, Machar’s party has refuted any connection to the recent violence, emphasizing a commitment to peace despite periodic conflicts.
Although South Sudan has been officially at peace since the 2018 agreement, inter-communal violence is still a persistent issue. On Thursday, representatives from IGAD, the United Nations, the African Union, and RJMEC convened with Machar to urge all parties to restore stability in the Upper Nile State, where Nasir is located.
The recent release of Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol marks a pivotal moment amidst heightened tensions involving security forces in South Sudan. Following the arrest of key allies of Vice President Riek Machar, the situation remains critical, particularly amidst ongoing violence and accusations from the government. Collaborative efforts from regional and international bodies continue as they urge a return to peace following years of conflict.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
