President Salva Kiir of South Sudan dismissed ambassador Monica Achol Abel amid increasing political turmoil and rising tensions with Vice President Riek Machar. The move is seen as part of Kiir’s larger crackdown on political dissent. Recent arrests of government ministers have led to concerns over a power struggle within the administration, further jeopardizing the fragile peace process.
Recently, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir dismissed Monica Achol Abel from her position as ambassador to Kenya, a mere four months after her credentials were presented. This decision, confirmed by sources within the government and reported on state television, aligns with Kiir’s pattern of conducting late-night firings on specific days. The lack of an official explanation for Abel’s dismissal raises eyebrows, particularly as political tensions in South Sudan are escalating.
The political landscape in Juba is becoming increasingly precarious, with deteriorating relations between President Kiir and his first vice president, Riek Machar. Armed forces have reportedly surrounded Machar’s residence, heightening fears of instability within their coalition government. Furthermore, Abel’s termination is indicative of a broader crackdown on political dissent, with increasing arrests of officials by South Sudan’s National Security Service (NSS).
In a recent incident, NSS operatives detained Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol, following the earlier arrest of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol. Analysts interpret these actions as signs of a significant power struggle occurring within the ruling party, posing a threat to the already fragile peace process in South Sudan. Amid these developments, President William Ruto of Kenya has reached out to both Kiir and Machar, urging them to prioritize dialogue and stabilize the situation.
Ruto noted, “I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace in the country… regional consultations are underway to determine the best path forward for the situation in South Sudan.” South Sudan has long struggled with internal conflict; its civil war, which erupted in December 2013 due to political strife within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), highlights ongoing ethnic divisions and instability.
Numerous peace agreements, including those in 2015, 2017, and 2018, have failed to create lasting stability. The Revitalised Agreement of June 2018, which aimed to resolve the conflict and establish a unity government, faces challenges in implementation, as violence and political turmoil persist. With Kiir consolidating power and undermining diplomatic ties through sudden decisions, the future of peace in South Sudan remains uncertain.
The firing of ambassador Monica Achol Abel by President Salva Kiir amid rising tensions signifies a critical moment in South Sudan’s political climate. The deterioration in relations between Kiir and Machar, alongside escalating government crackdowns on dissent, poses significant risks to peace efforts in the country. Continued dialogue and international support, as advocated by Kenyan President William Ruto, will be essential in navigating these challenges and working towards stabilization in South Sudan.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
