Sudan and South Sudan’s leaders discussed unrest after a UN helicopter was downed, causing 27 deaths. The talks aimed at enhancing bilateral relations amidst rising conflict and instability in South Sudan. The U.S. has recommended the evacuation of nonemergency personnel, highlighting ongoing armed violence. The incident jeopardizes the fragile peace process between the rival political factions in South Sudan.
On Sunday evening, leaders from Sudan and South Sudan engaged in telephone discussions concerning the unrest occurring in South Sudan. The conversations included Sudan’s Sovereign Council leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, focusing on bilateral relations and mutual concerns, as stated by the council.
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan expressed his assurances regarding the situation in South Sudan, emphasizing the Sudanese government’s commitment to maintaining security and stability. Meanwhile, President Salva Kiir reaffirmed his efforts to enhance cooperation between the two nations.
These discussions follow a directive from the United States for nonemergency government personnel to evacuate from South Sudan due to escalating security risks. The U.S. Department of State highlighted ongoing armed conflict among political and ethnic factions, indicating widespread access to weapons.
Recently, a UN helicopter came under fire while attempting to evacuate soldiers in Nasir City, resulting in at least 27 casualties. The UN condemned the incident as “utterly abhorrent” and suggested it could constitute a war crime, jeopardizing an already fragile peace process.
Tensions have risen with disruptions to a power-sharing agreement between President Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar, stemming from violent clashes in Upper Nile state. Notably, the White Army militia, associated with Machar’s ethnic Nuer community, seized control of Nasir City following confrontations with government forces. South Sudan has been an independent nation since its 2011 referendum, separating from Sudan.
The dialogue between Sudan and South Sudan addresses pressing security concerns amidst rising violence in South Sudan. The downing of the UN helicopter complicates the fragile peace process, as does the tension surrounding the power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar. The international community observes these developments closely, particularly in light of the U.S. evacuation order for nonemergency personnel.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
