By Matik Kueth
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) appealed for the urgent release of SPLM-IO officials allied to South Sudan’s FVP Dr. Riek Machar amid mounting tensions following violent clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
In a statement released after an emergency virtual summit held by Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh on Wednesday, the regional bloc cautioned that the ongoing detention of the officials jeopardizes the country’s peace deal.
“IGAD strongly urged the Parties to immediately de-escalate tensions, adhere to and respect the Permanent Ceasefire, and prioritize and expedite the implementation of Transitional Security Arrangements by providing the requisite resources on time. Urged for the immediate release of detained officials, unless credible evidence warrants legal proceedings conducted transparently and in accordance with due process,” the statement read in part.
Though the communiqué did not name the detainees, it did state that their arrest has significantly hampered key security mechanisms established under the Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), which aimed to end a brutal five-year civil war between President Salva Kiir and Machar’s factions.
The appeal for release follows a violent incident in Nasir on March 5 and 6, in which clashes between the SSPDF and armed youth (White Army) killed SSPDF commander Maj. Gen. Majur Dak and a United Nations staff member.
Following the incident, the government began arresting SPLM-IO officials, including the SSPDF’s Deputy CDF, Gen. Duop Lam, and Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, as well as other senior military members.
On March 8, 2025, IGAD issued a statement condemning the violence and directing its ceasefire monitoring agency, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), to investigate the incidents, as well as an attack on a UN helicopter.
However, a ministerial team was scheduled to travel to Juba to assess stalled peace talks and urge “inclusive dialogue.”
The 2018 R-ARCSS has encountered various hurdles, including postponed elections, unimplemented security measures, and persistent animosity between the two presidents.
Despite acknowledging the joint appeal for calm issued by Kiir and Machar following the Nasir violence, IGAD expressed “deep concern” about ongoing ceasefire violations and pressed for the accelerated unification of armed forces and the drafting of a permanent constitution.
Regional mediation efforts, including Kenya’s Tumaini Initiative, aimed at engaging non-signatory groups, received endorsement, and there was a call for backing from religious and civil society leaders to foster reconciliation.
Meanwhile, Ugandan observers attended the meeting, and representatives from the UN and African Union emphasized the significance of coordinated international support.
The regional bloc further stressed that South Sudan’s stability is dependent on the execution of necessary reforms, stating that “dialogue and discussion remain the only means for resolving differences.”