South Sudan Detains Oil Minister: South Sudan’s fragile peace is under threat after government forces arrested Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and several senior military officials allied with First Vice President Riek Machar. The detentions, which include Deputy Army Chief Gabriel Doup Lam, have raised concerns about escalating tensions and the possibility of renewed violence in the country.
The arrests come amid ongoing clashes in the strategic northern town of Nasir, where national forces have been battling the White Army militia, an armed group composed mostly of Nuer fighters. This militia has historical ties to Machar and previously fought alongside his forces during South Sudan’s brutal civil war from 2013 to 2018.
South Sudan Detains Oil Minister and Military Leaders
Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, confirmed the detentions, stating that all other senior military officials affiliated with Machar have been placed under house arrest. However, he noted that no official reason has been provided for the arrests.
“As of now, there’s not any reason provided to us that led to the arrest or the detention of these officials,” Baluang told Reuters.
In a concerning move, government troops have also been deployed around Machar’s residence in the capital, Juba. However, Baluang confirmed that Machar was still able to leave his home and attend to official duties on Wednesday morning.
The government’s information minister, Michael Makuei, has not issued a direct statement on the matter. However, he is expected to address the media in a scheduled press conference later.
Background of the Conflict in Nasir
The recent unrest in Nasir, located in Upper Nile State, is at the center of these developments. Fighting has intensified in the region between national troops and the White Army militia. This loosely organized group is primarily composed of Nuer fighters and has historically supported Machar against government forces.
The White Army played a significant role in South Sudan’s five-year civil war, which pitted Machar’s largely Nuer-led faction against President Salva Kiir’s Dinka-dominated forces. That conflict, which erupted just two years after South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, resulted in an estimated 400,000 deaths. The war also displaced 2.5 million people and left nearly half of the country’s 11 million citizens struggling with food insecurity.
While a 2018 peace agreement largely put an end to direct clashes between Kiir and Machar’s forces, violence has continued at the local level. The ongoing tensions in Nasir have raised alarms about the potential for renewed conflict between the rival factions.
Regional and International Concerns
The African Union and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan have been closely monitoring the deteriorating situation in Nasir. Last week, both organizations called for immediate de-escalation, warning of the risks of widespread violence.
Ter Manyang, the head of the Juba-based Center for Peace and Advocacy, linked the recent arrests to the clashes in Nasir. He warned that unless the country’s leadership intervenes to calm tensions, South Sudan could once again slide into full-scale war.
“The country is likely to slide to war unless the top leadership of the country manages the situation,” Manyang stated.
South Sudan has struggled with instability since gaining independence, with power struggles between Kiir and Machar at the heart of the country’s conflicts. Despite the 2018 peace deal, the transitional government has faced repeated challenges in implementing key security arrangements, including the full integration of Machar’s forces into the national army.
Implications of the Arrests
The arrest of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol is particularly significant, given his ties to Nasir and his influence within Machar’s political camp. His detention, along with that of Deputy Army Chief Gabriel Doup Lam, signals a deepening rift between the factions that make up the fragile coalition government.
Analysts believe that these arrests could trigger retaliatory actions from Machar’s loyalists, further destabilizing the country. The deployment of government troops around Machar’s residence adds to the growing tension, raising fears that the situation could escalate into a direct confrontation between the rival forces.
If the government fails to address these tensions diplomatically, South Sudan could witness a repeat of the deadly cycles of violence that have plagued the nation since its independence.
Looking Ahead: Will South Sudan Return to War?
With tensions at an all-time high, all eyes are on the South Sudanese leadership to prevent further deterioration of the security situation. International stakeholders, including the African Union, the United Nations, and neighboring countries, may need to step in to mediate between Kiir and Machar’s factions to avoid a return to widespread conflict.
As the country grapples with economic hardship, humanitarian crises, and fragile governance structures, the latest developments serve as a stark reminder of the deep divisions that remain unresolved. The future of South Sudan hangs in the balance, with the possibility of renewed war looming unless urgent steps are taken to restore trust and stability
