By Sama Marwan,
Germany has called for calm in South Sudan following the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, warning that such actions undermine efforts to stabilize the country. Berlin stressed that arresting Riek Machar is not a path to peace in South Sudan.
In a statement, the German Foreign Ministry said: “Placing the Vice President under house arrest is not a way to achieve peace in South Sudan.” It urged President Salva Kiir to release Machar and reaffirm commitment to the 2018 peace agreement, which ended a five-year civil war.
International Concern and Mediation Efforts
Machar’s detention last Wednesday triggered swift international concern, prompting neighboring Kenya to dispatch former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for mediation.
Machar’s party stated that the arrest effectively nullified the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, according to local media reports.
On its official X account, the German Foreign Ministry wrote:
“Both parties must de-escalate tensions, resume dialogue, and implement the 2018 peace agreement. Their reckless policies are preventing stability and prosperity for the people of South Sudan.”
Government Response and Allegations
In a statement on Friday, government spokesperson and Information Minister Michael Makuei announced that Machar and other detained members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and its armed wing, the SPLA-IO, will be investigated and brought to justice.
Makuei accused Machar of communicating with his supporters to incite rebellion against the government, aiming to destabilize peace, obstruct elections, and push South Sudan back into war.
