Gatwech Lam Puoch, an opposition lawmaker in South Sudan, was arrested by the National Security Service in Juba amid rising political tensions between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. His detention follows violent clashes, raising concerns about the fragile peace agreement established in 2018. Additionally, heightened security around Machar’s residence has been observed, although reasons remain unclear.
Gatwech Lam Puoch, a notable opposition lawmaker from South Sudan, was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon in Juba. He is a senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), serving as a representative for Nasir County in Parliament. Law enforcement, specifically the National Security Service (NSS), detained him at his home in Thonypiny and took him to the Blue House, which is known for housing political prisoners.
The press secretary to First Vice President Riek Machar, Puok Both Baluang, confirmed the arrest without providing additional details. Mr. Gatwech holds significant influence within the SPLM-IO, the party led by Machar, who is the first vice president under the 2018 power-sharing agreement. His detention appears to be part of an escalating political struggle between supporters of President Salva Kiir and those aligned with Machar.
This arrest follows recent violent incidents in Nasir, Upper Nile State, which resulted in multiple fatalities, including an SSPDF commander. The unrest has escalated actions from President Kiir’s government, leading to the arrest of several officials, including the petroleum minister. The tensions have raised concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement, which aimed to form a unity government and establish a timeline for elections.
In another noteworthy occurrence, heightened security has been reported around Machar’s residence, where around 42 NSS personnel were stationed. The reasons for their deployment are not entirely clear, with speculation that it correlates with the burial of Majur Dak, an SSPDF commander recently killed in clashes. However, no formal explanation has been offered regarding this increase in security personnel.
Gatwech Lam Puoch’s arrest signifies escalating political tensions in South Sudan, particularly between opposing forces aligned with the president and vice president. His detention, along with the government’s crackdown on other officials, raises significant concerns regarding the future of the 2018 peace agreement. Additionally, increased security around Riek Machar’s residence suggests a precarious political climate. Close monitoring of the situation is essential to assess its potential implications for governance and stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
