General's Arrest Sparks Concerns Over South Sudan Peace Deal Violation

The arrest of Gen Gabriel Duop Lam and other opposition officials raises alarm among South Sudan’s SPLM-IO, suggesting a threat to the fragile peace established in 2018.

The recent arrest of Army General Gabriel Duop Lam, a prominent member of South Sudan's main opposition party, has evoked serious concerns regarding the stability of the country and adherence to its peace deal. This is described by opposition spokespersons as a "grave violation" of the 2018 agreement which sought to conclude a five-year civil war that devastated the nation.

General Lam, who oversees the military section of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), was taken into custody alongside several senior officials. These officials are closely linked to Vice-President Riek Machar, whose rivalry with President Salva Kiir was a catalyst for the nation's civil war that began in 2013.

In a statement on Thursday, Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, highlighted the SPLM-IO’s uncertainty regarding the whereabouts of the arrested officials, emphasizing their efforts to prevent further tensions. "We are striving to avoid escalating the situation, but we need our peace partners to show their commitment to ensuring that South Sudan refrains from returning to conflict," he stated on a BBC program.

Government spokesperson Michael Makuei maintained that the arrests were lawful, suggesting that the detained individuals had violated legal protocols. He reaffirmed President Kiir's commitment to avoid the recurrence of war in South Sudan.

Since its independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with political and civil strife. The conflict erupted shortly after independence, leading to the loss of approximately 400,000 lives and displacing 2.5 million citizens before the peace deal was negotiated in 2018. However, tensions have remained high.

Alongside General Lam, Oil Minister Puot Kang Chol was reportedly detained, while other officials allied with Machar have faced house arrest. The backdrop to these events includes reports of the White Army militia clashing with government troops in a strategic Upper Nile town, further complicating the situation.

Experts warn that the rising violence, specifically in the Upper Nile region, threatens the existing peace agreement, with fears it may lead to a resurgence of widespread conflict. The head of the Juba-based Center for Peace and Advocacy stated, "If not managed properly, the country will likely drift back into conflict."

The nation has faced prolonged political turmoil without any elections, now postponed until 2026 after multiple delays. The international community, including the UN and the African Union, are closely monitoring developments, recognizing the potential for broader unrest in South Sudan.