South Sudan's petroleum minister and several senior military officials have been arrested, escalating tensions in the oil-producing nation. The arrests, which took place on March 5, 2025, are linked to officials allied with the First Vice President, Riek Machar, a former rebel commander.

The detained officials include the country's petroleum minister, who was taken into custody by military officials a day after the arrests of several military officers. According to a spokesperson, no reason has been provided for the arrests or detention of the officials.

The arrests come amid rising tensions in South Sudan, which has been plagued by instability since gaining independence from neighboring Sudan in 2011. The country has struggled to implement the provisions of a peace agreement signed in 2018, aimed at ending a civil war that broke out in 2013 and claimed nearly 400,000 lives.

The recent arrests are seen as a significant development in the ongoing power struggle between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The two leaders have been at odds since the civil war, with Machar's forces, primarily made up of the armed Nuer ethnic group, fighting against Kiir's troops, largely composed of the ethnic Dinka.

The White Army militia, a loosely organized group primarily made up of Machar's ethnic group, has been involved in fierce fighting with national troops in the strategically important northern town of Nasir. The African Union and the United Nations peacekeeping force in South Sudan have warned of the possibility of "widespread violence" and called for a de-escalation in the region.

Experts warn that the arrests could lead to further instability and even war if not handled properly by the country's top officials. Ter Manyang, the director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy in Juba, cautioned that the situation could spiral out of control if not addressed promptly.

The arrests also raise concerns about the impact on South Sudan's oil industry, which is a critical component of the country's economy. The petroleum minister's detention could lead to uncertainty and instability in the sector, potentially affecting oil production and exports.

In related news, South Sudan recently reversed its decision to ban Facebook and TikTok, a move seen as a positive step towards promoting freedom of expression and access to information in the country. However, the latest developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by South Sudan in achieving stability and peace.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how South Sudan's leaders respond to the arrests and the rising tensions. With elections rescheduled for 2026, the country's ability to navigate this crisis will be crucial in determining its future trajectory.