Security forces detained Minister Puot at his residence in Juba’s Thongpiny area early Wednesday, according to his press secretary. His family members and bodyguards were also reportedly taken into custody, and his electronic devices were confiscated. The minister, who has held his position since 2020 under a power-sharing agreement, is believed to be held at a military intelligence facility.
His arrest follows the detention of Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, a top SPLM-IO official and Co-Chair of the Joint Defence Board (JDB). Other detained opposition leaders include Lt. Gen. Wesley Welebe, Gen. Koang Gatkuoth Kerjiok, Gen. Ashhab Khamis Fahal, and Gen. Garang Ayii Akol, some of whom have been placed under house arrest.
Opposition representatives condemned the arrests, warning they undermine the peace process outlined in the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). SPLM-IO officials have called for the immediate release of those detained and urged government forces to de-escalate tensions, particularly in light of recent violence in Upper Nile State.
Eyewitnesses reported an increased military presence around the residence of First Vice President Riek Machar, leader of SPLM-IO, raising further concerns about the stability of the fragile peace deal. Civil society groups have also voiced alarm, urging all parties to prioritize dialogue and avoid actions that could threaten national stability.
No official statement has been issued by government authorities regarding the arrests. However, analysts suggest the detentions are linked to ongoing security challenges in opposition-controlled regions, including Upper Nile, Western Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Opposition leaders have called on regional and international stakeholders to intervene, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation and renewed commitment to peace.