South Sudan security forces have released peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol, a significant ally of First Vice President Riek Machar, amid escalating tensions following the arrests of several key officials. These detentions, seen as jeopardizing the peace agreement established after the civil war, followed violent conflicts in Nasir between national forces and the White Army militia. Although the government has remained silent on the arrests, international representatives are urging parties to restore calm in the region.
South Sudanese security forces, aligned with President Salva Kiir, have released the peacebuilding minister, a prominent ally of First Vice President Riek Machar. This release follows a series of arrests targeting Machar’s associates, which has heightened tensions within the political landscape of South Sudan.
Between Tuesday and Thursday, authorities arrested or placed under house arrest several key figures supporting Machar, including the petroleum minister and a deputy head of the military. These actions threaten the fragile peace agreement established after a civil war that once divided the country along the lines of loyalty to Kiir and Machar.
Spokesman Puok Both Baluang confirmed that peacebuilding minister Stephen Par Kuol, along with three staff members, was released early on Friday morning after being detained by National Security. However, the petroleum minister and deputy military head remain detained.
In addition to the arrests, security personnel have been stationed around Machar’s residence, yet he has reportedly managed to continue his official duties. The arrests coincide with violent clashes in Nasir, a strategically significant town, where national forces have engaged with the White Army militia, primarily comprised of Nuer, Machar’s ethnic group.
The White Army had previously allied with Machar’s forces during the civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018, opposing predominantly Dinka troops loyal to Kiir. Despite these tensions, government spokesperson Michael Makuei has accused Machar’s forces of complicity in recent attacks against military positions near Nasir, a claim that Machar’s party contests.
Although South Sudan was declared at peace following the 2018 agreement that concluded years of conflict, sporadic violence among rival communities remains a challenge. Recently, officials from IGAD, the United Nations, the African Union, and RJMEC convened with Machar, urging all factions to initiate efforts to restore tranquility in the Upper Nile State where Nasir is located.
The recent developments in South Sudan underscore the ongoing instability stemming from the delicate political dynamics between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The release of the peacebuilding minister amidst rising tensions marks a critical moment in the post-civil war era, highlighting the need for enhanced dialogue and cooperation to maintain peace within the nation. External bodies continue to advocate for calm as the region grapples with ongoing threats to stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
