Earlier this month, President Salva Kiir’s security forces detained two ministers and several senior military figures who were loyal to Riek Machar. These arrests have raised concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement, which ended a five-year civil war between Kiir’s and Machar’s forces, a conflict that resulted in nearly 400,000 deaths.

Yasmin Sooka, U.N. human rights chair in Sudan,  expressed concern, stating, “We are witnessing a troubling setback that could reverse years of hard-earned progress. Instead of exacerbating division and conflict, leaders must urgently redirect their focus on the peace process, protect the human rights of South Sudanese citizens, and ensure a peaceful transition to democracy.”

These arrests followed heavy fighting in recent weeks in the strategically important northern town of Nasir, where national forces clashed with the White Army militia, a loosely structured group mainly from the Nuer ethnic group, Machar’s group.

Government spokesperson Michael Makuei explained that the arrests were due to the Machar-affiliated officials being in “conflict with the law.” He also accused Machar’s supporters of working with the White Army and attacking a military base near Nasir on March 4. Machar’s party has rejected these allegations.

On Saturday, the National Security Services intelligence agency revealed it had detained several people with “verified links” to the military conflict in Nasir and a nearby town. The agency did not disclose the total number of detainees or their identities.

The arrests come after intense fighting in the northern town of Nasir, a strategically important area, between government forces and the White Army militia, which is primarily made up of armed Nuer, Machar’s ethnic group.

During the 2013-2018 civil war, the White Army fought alongside Machar’s forces against President Salva Kiir’s predominantly Dinka troops.

Those arrested include Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, who is from Nasir, and Deputy Army Chief Gabriel Doup Lam. Other senior military leaders supporting Machar have been placed under house arrest, as confirmed by Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang.

South Sudanese troops have also been stationed around Machar’s residence, though he was able to go to his office on Wednesday morning, according to Baluang.

In the government’s first public response to the arrests, Information Minister Michael Makuei accused Machar’s forces of collaborating with the White Army to attack a military garrison near Nasir on Tuesday.

Although Makuei did not directly comment on the detentions, he reiterated President Kiir’s commitment to preventing the country from sliding back into war.

“The government is handling the situation, and the public should remain calm and ignore the unfounded rumors spread by those against peace and stability,” Makuei said in a statement.