Kenyan President William Ruto urged South Sudanese leaders to engage in dialogue to resolve escalating clashes that pose a threat to the peace agreement ending the civil war. Clashes reported in Upper Nile State have led to significant casualties and arrests of key officials. The ongoing situation raises concerns regarding the stability of the peace deal established in 2018.
Kenyan President William Ruto has urged for calm in South Sudan amidst rising tensions that threaten the peace agreement concluding a five-year civil conflict. During a recent discussion with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, Ruto emphasized the necessity for dialogue to promote stability, while the region seeks to support South Sudan under a coordinated framework.
In a statement from Nairobi, Ruto noted that regional consultations are in progress to identify the most effective means of addressing South Sudan’s challenges. This appeal follows violence in Upper Nile State, where clashes have erupted between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the White Army, an armed civilian group, contributing to an unstable atmosphere.
The situation escalated in Nasir, a crucial town where tensions have since heightened in Juba, South Sudan’s capital. Reports indicate that more than 20 individuals have lost their lives, with many others wounded, as fears of further unrest grow. The recent fighting has resulted in the arrests of senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), led by Machar, exacerbating the political crisis.
Machar’s spokesperson confirmed the detention of two ministers and several high-ranking military officials allied with him, citing their house arrest by government security forces. Minister of Information Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed the arrests, suggesting they stem from infringements of the law and attributed attacks on government positions in Nasir to Machar’s faction.
Machar has condemned the removal of his allies from their governmental roles, indicating that such actions jeopardize the 2018 peace accord established to end the civil war. This agreement has consistently encountered complications, particularly regarding the unification of various armed factions into a single national army.
In conclusion, President Ruto’s call for dialogue between South Sudan’s leaders highlights the urgent need for stability in a nation plagued by conflict. The recent clashes have not only led to loss of life but also complicated the fragile political landscape, threatening the continuity of the 2018 peace agreement. Continued regional guidance and collaboration will be critical in resolving the ongoing tensions and fostering enduring peace in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.thestatesman.com
