President William Ruto has urged South Sudan’s leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar to engage in dialogue to promote peace, following rising tensions and needs for stability. With a fragile peace agreement in jeopardy due to recent violence and political disputes, Ruto emphasized the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable resolution to the crisis. The situation in South Sudan remains precarious, requiring urgent action from its leaders.
President William Ruto has called upon South Sudan President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to engage in dialogue to promote peace in South Sudan. In his statement, Ruto urged the leaders to set aside their differences as the region strives for stability under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Strategic Framework. He emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution amidst escalating tensions in the nation.
The plea for dialogue follows increased security concerns in South Sudan, notably with military personnel surrounding Vice President Machar’s residence and the detention of his allies after armed groups captured a northern army base. These developments have raised alarms regarding the fragile peace agreement of 2018, which is already under strain due to ongoing violence.
Ruto highlighted that diplomatic efforts are in progress to seek a sustainable resolution to the crisis, mentioning that regional consultations are taking place. This initiative aims to assess the best course of action for South Sudan’s situation in light of recent events.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with internal conflicts. The initial civil war, which began in December 2013, arose from a political dispute between Kiir and Machar, resulting in substantial loss of life and displacement of millions. Although a peace agreement was initiated in 2018 and a unity government formed in 2020, its execution has faced numerous delays and challenges, particularly regarding the unification of armed forces and governance.
The current state of peace is further threatened by the detention of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and other military officials allied with Machar, coinciding with violent clashes between national forces and the White Army militia in Nasir. Additionally, a recent Cabinet reshuffle by President Kiir has ignited concerns over the stability of the peace agreement, as Machar demands the reinstatement of officials viewed as essential to the power-sharing deal, which he argues is in jeopardy due to their removal.
In summary, President William Ruto’s appeal for dialogue between South Sudan’s leaders, Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, highlights the urgent need for reconciliation amidst rising tensions. The deterioration of the 2018 peace agreement, exacerbated by recent conflicts and political instability, poses significant challenges for South Sudan’s future. Ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional consultations aim to address these issues and foster a sustainable resolution to the crisis, underscoring the complexity of South Sudan’s ongoing struggles.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
