Tensions have escalated in South Sudan’s capital Juba after four senior military officers from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) were arrested at the army headquarters, a senior party member has revealed.
The senior official, who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on condition of anonymity, identified the detained officers affiliated with Machar’s SPLM-IO as Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, the Deputy Chief of the Defense Forces for Operation, Lt Gen Wesley Welebe, and two others. The arrests are reportedly linked to recent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed youth in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
The source described the situation as “tense,” despite a high-level meeting of SPLM-IO leadership in Juba on Monday aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Nasir and other areas.
The official also highlighted broader tensions in regions hosting SPLA-IO forces, including Abyei, Twic, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, and Nasir. He noted that deployed forces in these areas have remained unchanged for over a decade, leading to strained relations between residents and armed personnel.
“There are conflicts and problems between the residents and the forces. Sometimes, they fight at home. The residents and the armed forces are unable to unite because there are no unified forces,” the official explained.
In response to the arrests, Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, called on President Salva Kiir to release the detained military officers, warning that their detention threatens the fragile peace in the country.
“The Centre for Peace and Advocacy appeals to the President of the Republic and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Salva Kiir Mayardit, to release Gen Duop Lam, who was arrested around 11am in Bilpam along with his bodyguard and transferred to the Tiger Headquarters,” Gatwech told Radio Tamazuj.
He linked the arrest to the capture of Nasir by the White Army, a youth militia group, and warned that the situation could escalate, further damaging South Sudan’s reputation internationally.
“People are tired of war; we need to talk about development. People cannot go on doing bad things always,” Gatwech added.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over the stability of South Sudan’s peace process, with fears that the situation could worsen if not addressed promptly.