Tensions rise in South Sudan as security forces surround Riek Machar's residence

Heavy security forces were deployed around the residence of First Vice President Riek Machar on Tuesday, following the detention of General Gabriel Duop Lam, the acting chief of staff of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO).

The opposition faction has condemned the move, calling it a violation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and a threat to ongoing peace efforts.

In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday night, the SPLA-IO expressed "grave concern" over the military buildup near Machar's residence, calling it an act of provocation.

"We are also gravely concerned about the heavy deployment of SSPDF around the residence of Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, the First Vice President and Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLM/A-IO," the group stated.

The SPLA-IO warned that the security deployment not only breaches trust among peace partners but also endangers efforts to de-escalate the ongoing violence in Upper Nile State.

"These actions erode confidence and trust among the parties and jeopardise efforts to de-escalate the current violence that erupted in Nasir County of Upper Nile State," SPLM-IO spokesman and Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Pal Mai Deng said in the statement.

SPLA-IO Condemns Duop Lam's Detention The SPLA-IO also denounced the arrest of General Duop Lam, who serves as both the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the SSPDF and the Co-Chair of the Joint Defence Board (JDB).

The group accused SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces General Paul Nang of orchestrating the detention, describing it as a direct violation of the 2018 peace deal.

"This morning, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of the SSPDF, the Acting Chief of Staff of the SPLA-IO, and Co-Chair of the Joint Defence Board was arrested by Gen. Paul Nang, the Chief of Defence Forces of the SSPDF," the statement read.

The SPLA-IO argued that his detention undermines the Joint Defence Board, which plays a crucial role in coordinating the country's unified command structure.

"This action violates the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and cripples the Joint Defence Board, a vital institution of the Agreement responsible for the command and control of all forces. This act puts the entire agreement at risk," the opposition group stated.

Demands for De-Escalation and International Intervention The SPLA-IO has demanded the immediate withdrawal of government forces from around Machar's residence and the unconditional release of General Duop Lam.

It also called on international guarantors of the peace agreement to intervene before the situation spirals into a wider conflict.

"The SPLM-IO urges the release of G

en. Gabriel Duop Lam and calls upon all parties to continue exerting joint efforts to ensure an end to the violence in Upper Nile State," the statement said.

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"We take this opportunity to call upon the guarantors of the Agreement and international partners to intervene in order to avoid a return to full-scale violence," it added.

The SPLM-IO reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of the peace agreement, emphasizing that dialogue—not force—should guide the country's fragile transition.

"We remain fully committed to the implementation of the Agreement in letter and spirit," the statement concluded.

As of Tuesday night, there was no immediate response from the South Sudanese government or the SSPDF regarding the security deployment or General Duop Lam's detention.

The situation remains tense, with fears that the standoff could escalate further in the coming days.