In a troubling escalation in South Sudan's ongoing political crisis, authorities have arrested several prominent allies of First Vice President Riek Machar, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam. This move came amid heightened tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir, igniting fears that the fragile peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war in 2018 could be in jeopardy.

The arrests followed an attack involving armed groups believed to be aligned with Machar on a military base in Upper Nile State. According to the Sudanese army, the detained officials were implicated in collaborating with the so-called White Army, an armed militia within the Nuer community—a group closely associated with Machar.

South Sudan, which declared independence from Sudan in 2011, has struggled with systemic tensions primarily fuelled by tribal divisions, particularly between Kiir's Dinka ethnic group and Machar's Nuer faction. The civil war that erupted in 2013 has left a devastating legacy, claiming around 400,000 lives and creating a dire humanitarian crisis.

Fanatic political maneuvers by Kiir, including a series of high-level dismissals and arrests, have alarmed political observers. Experts warn these developments threaten to derail the hard-won gains of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). An official statement from Machar’s SPLM-in-Opposition party condemned these actions as violations of the peace deal, urging international partners to intervene to preserve stability.

Notably, the Internationl community has echoed these sentiments, with key diplomatic entities—including the United Nations and various embassies—calling for a cessation of hostilities and urging restraint. A joint statement from the embassies of Canada, the UK, and the EU expressed concern over the violence and detentions, emphasizing the need for dialogue and cooperation.

Throughout these developments, fighting in Upper Nile has escalated, reportedly resulting in civilian casualties and further complicating the humanitarian landscape. Estimates indicate over 7.6 million people are grappling with food insecurities, exacerbated by continued conflict and economic challenges.

As the situation intensifies, analysts warn that unless a commitment to dialogue is established, South Sudan risks a return to broader conflict, which would jeopardize not only the peace process but also the future of the nation. The imperative for political leaders to prioritize dialogue over conflict has never been more vital.

For ongoing coverage, please refer to the original articles from Le Monde, Africa News, and Al Jazeera.