Gatwech Lam Puoch, an SPLM-IO opposition lawmaker in South Sudan, was arrested in Juba by the National Security Service. His detainment is believed to be linked to political tensions following recent clashes in various areas, raising concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. Security has increased around Vice President Machar’s residence amid ongoing political unrest.
Gatwech Lam Puoch, a prominent opposition lawmaker in South Sudan, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon in Juba. A senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), he represents Nasir County in Parliament. Reports indicate that he was taken from his home in Thonypiny by the National Security Service (NSS) and is currently held at the Blue House, known for its harsh detention conditions.
Puok Both Baluang, press secretary for First Vice President Riek Machar, confirmed Mr. Gatwech’s arrest but did not provide additional information. As a significant figure in the SPLM-IO, which Mr. Machar leads, Mr. Gatwech’s detention comes at a time of escalating political tension between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those aligned with Machar.
Last week, violence erupted in Nasir, Upper Nile State, resulting in multiple fatalities, including an SSPDF commander. Following these events, President Kiir’s administration has cracked down on Machar’s associates, including the arrest of the petroleum minister and several high-ranking military personnel. Mr. Gatwech’s arrest seems connected to his recent political advocacy, particularly a proposal to suspend SSPDF deployments to Nasir without local input.
These developments raise concerns regarding the fragile state of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil conflict in South Sudan, a deal designed to create a unity government and pave the way for elections, whose progress has stalled significantly.
In related news, heightened security measures have been observed around First Vice President Riek Machar’s residence. Reports indicated that about 42 NSS personnel were deployed near the compound, though the exact purpose of this reinforcement remains unknown. Speculation arose that the presence could be linked to the funeral of Majur Dak, an SSPDF commander killed in recent clashes, but no official statement has clarified the situation.
The arrest of MP Gatwech Lam Puoch signifies the increasing political unrest in South Sudan, highlighting tensions exacerbated by recent violent clashes. As a prominent member of the SPLM-IO, his detainment raises questions surrounding the stability of the 2018 peace treaty and the ongoing political dynamics between rival factions. Moreover, the deployment of additional security forces around Vice President Machar’s residence illustrates an ongoing climate of fear and uncertainty, with implications for the future governance of the nation.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
