South Sudan's Peace Deal at Risk: Vice President's Spokesman Reports Deputy Head of Military Arrested

The stability of South Sudan's peace deal is under threat following the arrest of the deputy head of the military, General James Ajongo Mawut, according to the spokesman of Vice President Riek Machar. The arrest, which took place on February 17, 2023, has raised concerns about the government's commitment to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement and the overall security situation in the country.

General Mawut was arrested by the National Security Service (NSS) on charges of treason and undermining the authority of the president. The arrest has been criticized by opposition leaders, who argue that it is a violation of the peace deal and a threat to the stability of the country. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has also expressed concern over the arrest, stating that it could undermine the peace process and the security situation in the country.

The arrest of General Mawut has raised fears of a return to violence, as he is a key figure in the military and his arrest could lead to a power struggle within the armed forces. Additionally, the arrest has been seen as a sign of the government's willingness to use force to maintain its grip on power, which could lead to further instability and violence in the country.

The 2018 revitalized peace agreement, which was brokered with the help of the United States and other international actors, established a power-sharing government and ended the country's civil war. The agreement granted amnesty to all political detainees and prohibited the arrest of any political figure without the consent of the other parties to the agreement. The arrest of General Mawut has been seen as a violation of the peace deal and a threat to the stability of the country.

The economic implications of the arrest are also a concern. South Sudan's economy has been severely affected by years of conflict and political instability. The country is heavily reliant on oil exports, which account for around 98% of its total exports. The arrest of General Mawut could disrupt the government's efforts to diversify the economy and attract foreign investments, which are crucial for economic recovery. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported in 2021 that South Sudan's economy was still recovering from the effects of the conflict and that growth was projected to remain modest.

The arrest of General Mawut has also raised concerns about the potential economic implications for foreign investments and the country's economic recovery. The country's challenging business environment, reliance on oil exports, and high levels of corruption can exacerbate the negative effects of the arrest on investor confidence and economic growth.

In conclusion, the arrest of the deputy head of the military in South Sudan has raised concerns about the stability of the peace deal and the overall security situation in the country. The arrest has been criticized by opposition leaders and the United Nations, and has raised fears of a return to violence. The economic implications of the arrest are also a concern, as the country's economy is still recovering from years of conflict and political instability. The outcome of this situation will depend on the ability of the government and the other parties to the peace agreement to work together and find a solution that respects the terms of the 2018 peace agreement.