JUBA, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The South Sudanese government on Wednesday called for calm following the arrest of six senior opposition military officers and Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chol in the capital of Juba in a series of detentions that have escalated tensions in the country.

The arrests, which took place on Tuesday, also included Gabriel Duop Lam, deputy chief of Defense Forces of the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) and chief of staff of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO).

Michael Makuei Lueth, minister of information, communication technology and postal services, called on citizens to remain calm while the government addresses the situation and urged them to refrain from spreading rumors on social media.

"I assure the public that the government is in the process of addressing this situation, and people should not panic or listen to unfounded and unrealistic wild rumors spread by enemies of peace and stability who do not want to see South Sudan at peace," Makuei told reporters in Juba.

He accused the opposition SPLA-IO of attacking a government position in Nasir in Upper Nile State on Tuesday, which led to the capture of the town by the SSPDF. More than 20 people were reportedly killed in the clashes.

Tensions have been rising since the outbreak of renewed violence in Western Equatoria State in January.

Lueth said the SPLA-IO had violated the very agreement reached during a meeting on Monday between the president and his vice presidents, where they denied responsibility.

The minister said that President Salva Kiir remains committed to peace and the implementation of the agreement in letter and spirit despite the obstructions and challenges.

However, South Sudan's main opposition, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), on Wednesday condemned the arrests by the SSPDF.

Puok Both Baluang, acting spokesperson for First Vice President and SPLM/A-IO leader Riek Machar, said Gabriel Duop Lam was arrested at the military headquarters along with five other senior opposition officers, who are now under house arrest in Juba.

"We believe that dialogue is the way forward, but as of now, there has been no contact to defuse the situation," Baluang said.

Baluang also noted that their party officials in Western Equatoria have been persecuted by the SSPDF after President Kiir sacked Alfred Futuyo Karaba, the former governor of Western Equatoria State. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)