Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh urged South Sudan’s leaders to engage in dialogue to avert further violence. Tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar have resulted in significant instability and suffering. The U.S. has evacuated non-emergency personnel due to escalating conflict, while the U.N. condemned recent attacks as potential war crimes, stressing the importance of resuming the peace process.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has appealed for calm and dialogue between the warring factions in South Sudan. He emphasized the pressing need to avert further escalation of violence in the country that has struggled for stability since its independence. Tensions stem from a bitter dispute between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, inciting clashes that have led to significant displacement and loss of life amongst citizens.
In a recent phone conversation with both leaders, President Hassan Sheikh expressed Somalia’s solidarity with the people of South Sudan, affirming his commitment to supporting efforts towards a peaceful resolution. “Today, I spoke with President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Riek Machar about the security situation in South Sudan,” he stated. He urged them to engage in dialogue to prevent further conflict and improve the situation in their nation.
As violence escalates, the U.S. State Department has mandated the departure of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan’s capital due to ongoing clashes and a humanitarian crisis. The advisory highlighted the availability of weapons among the population and the precarious situation leading to government instability.
Tensions worsened following the recent arrests of several ministers linked to Riek Machar, as violence orchestrated by a faction known as the White Army emerged. The security forces surrounded Machar’s residence amid protests from his supporters, who viewed these actions as a threat to the fragile peace agreement established after years of civil conflict.
Furthermore, a recent attack on a U.N. helicopter on a humanitarian mission highlights the deteriorating security conditions. The U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan condemned the incident, qualifying it as a potential war crime, while underscoring that current tensions are jeopardizing the peace agreement established in 2018. The chairperson, Yasmin Sooka, commented on the urgent need for political leaders to prioritize peace and uphold human rights, cautioning against the risk of reversing progress made in recent years.
The ongoing crisis in South Sudan, marked by escalating violence and political tensions, necessitates urgent dialogue among key leaders. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s call for peace reflects a broader concern for regional stability and human rights. With international attention and pressure mounting, it is imperative that both President Kiir and Vice President Machar prioritize the peace process to protect their citizens and restore order in their nation.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
