The international community expressed commitment to facilitate peace talks in South Sudan through direct communication between leaders Riek Machar and Salva Kiir, condemning recent violence and urging unity among leadership for the welfare of the populace.
The international community has offered support to facilitate direct communication among South Sudan’s leaders, aiming to restore peace and stability in the nation. A joint statement was issued by the embassies of Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union Delegation, reaffirming their commitment to diplomatic discussions between First Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir.
In the statement, the embassies emphasized the urgent need for the leaders of South Sudan to engage in direct dialogue. They expressed readiness to facilitate this discussion, highlighting that such engagement is crucial for the restoration and maintenance of peace. They condemned the ongoing violence in Upper Nile State, particularly citing aerial bombardments in Nasir County and credible reports of civilian casualties.
The embassies also expressed concern over reports indicating that survivors from the Nasir Garrison of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have been unable to return to safety. Additionally, they mentioned the continued detention of senior officials in Juba without formal charges, which contributes to the instability.
The joint statement articulated that the international community deplores the violence in Upper Nile State and remains concerned about the ongoing issues faced by SSPDF survivors as well as the detention situation in Juba. This situation underscores the urgent need for unity among South Sudan’s leadership.
Furthermore, the international community called on all leaders in South Sudan to refrain from unilateral actions. They urged the rejection of violence as a means for political competition and emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the South Sudanese populace.
The international community’s collective appeal underscores the pressing necessity for South Sudan’s leaders to engage in direct dialogue to address ongoing violence and foster stability. The emphasis on diplomacy reflects an urgent call to put aside unilateral and violent strategies in favor of peaceful negotiations to benefit the South Sudanese people.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
