President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed Ambassador Monica Achol Abel as political tensions rise. The dismissal comes amid escalating strife between Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, coinciding with the arrest of key officials by security services. Kenyan President William Ruto has acknowledged the crisis and is advocating for dialogue to foster peace. South Sudan continues to face challenges in stabilizing despite numerous past agreements.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has terminated Monica Achol Abel’s appointment as the ambassador to Kenya, a mere four months after her credentials were presented to President William Ruto. The dismissal, reported by a government source and aired on state television, follows a pattern of late-night reshuffles by Kiir. No official rationale has been provided for this decision, occurring amidst a backdrop of rising political tensions in the region.
The political situation in South Sudan has grown increasingly volatile, especially concerning the relationship between President Kiir and his first vice president, Riek Machar. Armed forces have surrounded Machar’s residence, heightening fears of instability within the already fragile coalition government. Achol Abel’s dismissal reflects a broader political purge, as the National Security Service (NSS) intensifies its clampdown on opposition figures.
In a recent escalatory incident, NSS agents detained Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol at his office. This follows the earlier arrest of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol, indicating a significant internal power conflict within the ruling party. Such turmoil raises critical concerns regarding the future of South Sudan’s ongoing peace process.
Kenya’s President William Ruto, leading the Tumaini Initiative intended to mediate peace in South Sudan, has acknowledged the escalating crisis, having conversed with both Kiir and Machar recently. He urged the two leaders to partake in constructive dialogue aimed at fostering peace while noting ongoing regional consultations to navigate the crisis effectively.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced challenges, notably civil war erupting in December 2013 due to political strife within the Sudan People’s Liberation Army. The ensuing conflict, characterized by ethnic violence, has resulted in widespread suffering and displacement. Despite several peace initiatives, including the 2018 Revitalised Agreement, the path to lasting stability remains elusive as armed conflict and political unrest persist.
The dismissal of Ambassador Monica Achol Abel amid growing political turmoil in South Sudan highlights the deteriorating relationship between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. As the region grapples with escalating tensions and a crackdown on dissent, the stability of the fragile peace process stands uncertain. Ongoing diplomatic efforts, particularly led by Kenyan President William Ruto, remain crucial in addressing these challenges. The historical context of unresolved conflict underscores the complexity of achieving lasting peace in South Sudan.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
