Kenyan President William Ruto has urged South Sudan’s leaders to engage in dialogue amidst rising violence threatening a peace agreement. Ruto’s appeal follows clashes in Upper Nile State between government forces and armed groups, resulting in numerous fatalities and arrests of opposition officials. The situation poses a challenge to the 2018 peace deal, aiming to unify South Sudan’s disparate armed factions.
Kenyan President William Ruto has called for tranquility in South Sudan amidst an escalating security crisis that jeopardizes a vital peace agreement, which concluded a five-year civil conflict. In discussions with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, Ruto urged both leaders to engage in constructive dialogue to achieve national peace, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation to stabilize the country.
In a statement from Nairobi, Ruto noted that regional consultations are ongoing to identify effective pathways to address the security situation in South Sudan. The urgent appeal follows violent confrontations in Upper Nile State between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the armed civilian factions known as the White Army.
The recent fighting centered around Nasir, a key location, has exacerbated tensions, prompting the detention of several senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), led by Machar. Reports indicate that over 20 individuals have lost their lives, alongside many others injured near Nasir, which is now largely abandoned and borders Ethiopia.
Puok Both Baluang, a spokesperson for Machar, indicated that two ministers and several military leaders aligned with Machar were detained recently, with others reportedly under house arrest due to security force actions. Michael Makuei Lueth, the Minister of Information, confirmed the arrests, citing illegal conduct. He attributed blame to SPLM/A-IO for recent aggressive actions against government positions.
Machar expressed concerns regarding the removal of key allies from governmental roles, viewing it as a significant threat to the 2018 peace agreement. This accord was established to conclude the years of civil warfare but has been plagued by delays and hurdles, particularly regarding the unification of armed factions into a cohesive national army.
President William Ruto of Kenya has actively advocated for peace and dialogue among South Sudan’s leadership in response to escalating violence, particularly in Upper Nile State. The recent clashes have sparked national unrest while the detainment of key opposition figures raises significant concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. Achieving peace and unity in South Sudan remains a challenging task, underscored by ongoing regional efforts and consultations.
Original Source: www.thestatesman.com
