Arrest of Opposition General Undermines Peace Agreement in South Sudan

The arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam, an opposition leader in South Sudan, has sparked condemnation from the SPLM-IO party, claiming it breaches the peace agreement intended to maintain stability in a country still recovering from civil war.

The recent arrest of General Gabriel Duop Lam, who leads the military wing of South Sudan’s main opposition party, has ignited fears of escalating tensions within the already fragile political landscape of the country. The SPLM-IO, under which Lam operates, described the detainment as a "grave violation" of the peace deal that was designed to restore order following a devastating civil war that spanned five years.

General Lam, along with several high-ranking officials from the SPLM-IO, was taken into custody earlier this week. These arrests have raised serious concerns, especially given Lam's close association with Vice-President Riek Machar, a key figure in the ongoing political rift with President Salva Kiir that has historically triggered violence in the nation.

As of Thursday morning, Machar’s spokesperson confirmed that their party was unaware of the conditions and locations where their detained officials were being held. They emphasized their commitment to peace and urged cooperative efforts from the government to avoid a return to wartime atrocities.

Government spokesperson Michael Makuei defended the arrests, alleging that the detained officials were engaged in illicit activities and reaffirmed President Kiir’s stance that the nation would not revert to war.

South Sudan, which achieved independence from Sudan in 2011, witnessed a tragic civil war by 2013 after President Kiir dismissed his cabinet and accused Machar of orchestrating a coup. The conflict resulted in the deaths of nearly 400,000 individuals and displaced over 2.5 million people. The peace agreement, finalized in 2018, has faced continuous challenges and has yet to yield a fully integrated military.

Reports also indicated that the White Army militia, historically aligned with Machar during the civil war, captured a vital town in Upper Nile state following clashes with government troops, further complicating the situation. Observers are concerned about the potential for violence to proliferate, jeopardizing the peace deal and the overall stability of the government.

Experts warn that the current unrest could lead to a severe escalation unless the nation’s leadership effectively addresses the growing discontent and political strife. With the first scheduled elections looming in 2026, the scrutiny on the government's actions remains paramount in determining South Sudan’s future tranquility.