In a move that has sent shockwaves through South Sudan’s political landscape, government forces have detained Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several high-ranking military officials aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar. These arrests, which occurred earlier this week, pose a significant threat to the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a brutal five-year civil war.
The detentions follow intense clashes in Nasir, a strategic northern town, between national forces and the White Army militia—a loosely organized group predominantly composed of ethnic Nuer fighters loyal to Machar. The White Army played a pivotal role alongside Machar’s forces during the civil war against President Salva Kiir’s predominantly Dinka troops.
Among those arrested are Deputy Army Chief Gabriel Doup Lam, while other senior military officials associated with Machar have been placed under house arrest. Notably, government troops have also been deployed around Machar’s residence in the capital, Juba, heightening concerns over his safety and the potential for escalating tensions.
The government’s information minister, Michael Makuei, has yet to provide an official explanation for these arrests. This silence has fueled speculation and anxiety among the populace, with many fearing a relapse into widespread violence. 
The 2018 peace agreement, which brought an end to South Sudan’s devastating civil war that claimed an estimated 400,000 lives and displaced millions, has been fragile. While it has largely prevented direct confrontations between Kiir and Machar’s forces, localized violence has persisted, undermining national stability.
International bodies, including the African Union and the United Nations, have expressed deep concern over the recent developments. They have called for immediate de-escalation and dialogue to prevent the nation from descending back into conflict. The international community’s apprehension underscores the delicate nature of South Sudan’s peace and the potential regional implications of renewed unrest.
The detentions also cast a shadow over South Sudan’s already struggling economy. The nation relies heavily on oil revenues, and the arrest of the petroleum minister could disrupt oil production and exports, exacerbating economic challenges and affecting public services. This economic strain could further destabilize the country, making the need for a swift resolution even more pressing.
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