The arrests follow heavy clashes in Nasir, a strategic northern town, between government troops and the White Army militia, a loosely organized group mainly composed of armed Nuer fighters, Machar’s ethnic group.

The White Army previously fought alongside Machar’s forces during the 2013-2018 civil war. Minister Chol, a native of Nasir, was detained alongside Deputy Army Chief Gabriel Doup Lam.

Other military officials aligned with Machar were placed under house arrest. Baluang, stated that no explanation had been provided for their arrests.

In a worrying development, South Sudanese troops were also stationed around Machar’s residence. However, Baluang confirmed that Machar was still able to leave his home and report to his office, despite the increasing political tension.

The government’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, has not responded to inquiries regarding the arrests but promised to address the issue in a press conference. This lack of immediate clarification has further fueled uncertainty and speculation across the country.

South Sudan’s civil war, which erupted in 2013, just two years after the country gained independence, resulted in 400,000 deaths and displaced 2.5 million people. While the 2018 peace deal ended large-scale fighting, tensions between Kiir and Machar’s factions remain high.

Witnesses reported an attack in Nasir’s central square where a grenade, allegedly aimed at a convoy carrying rebel leaders, failed to hit its target. The African Union and United Nations recently warned that rising violence in the region could spiral out of control.

Political analysts fear the arrests could reignite conflict. Ter Manyang, director of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy, warned that without intervention from South Sudan’s top leadership, the country risks descending back into war, endangering its fragile peace efforts.

Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol is said to have been arrested.

The Sudanese Forces have also arrested Deputy Army Chief Gabriel Doup Lam.

Riek Machar is a man who wears many labels: rebel leader, First Deputy President, warlord and now, possibly, peacemaker.