South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed Ambassador Monica Achol Abel amid rising political tensions. This dismissal accompanies increased arrests of government officials and intensifying conflicts between Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, affecting the fragile stability of the nation and the peace process led by Kenya’s President William Ruto.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed Ambassador Monica Achol Abel to Kenya just four months after she had formally taken up her position. This decision, which was confirmed by a government source and announced on state television, lacks an official explanation but is consistent with Kiir’s pattern of late-night dismissals, frequently occurring at the beginning of the week.
The dismissal takes place amid escalating tensions in South Sudan’s political landscape, particularly between Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, which has led to armed forces surrounding Machar’s residence. This situation raises concerns about the stability of South Sudan’s coalition government and signifies a crackdown on political leadership, including increasing arrests by the National Security Service (NSS).
In a related development, NSS officials detained Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol on Thursday after also arresting Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol. These actions indicate a rising power struggle within the ruling party, jeopardizing South Sudan’s ongoing peace process despite past agreements aimed at restoring stability.
Kenya’s President William Ruto, who has been advocating for peace in South Sudan through the Tumaini Initiative, highlighted the urgency of the situation. He stated that he is in communication with both Kiir and Machar, urging them to engage in constructive dialogue to promote peace while the region seeks to stabilize South Sudan under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The backdrop to these events is a history of unresolved conflict dating back to a civil war in December 2013, which was ignited by political disputes within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). Attempts at reconciliation through various peace agreements have largely faltered, highlighting the fragility of the situation as the nation seeks a definitive path toward peace amidst internal discord and political upheaval.
In summary, the unexpected dismissal of Ambassador Monica Achol Abel by President Salva Kiir occurs during a period of intensified political strife in South Sudan, characterized by deteriorating relations between Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Arrests of significant government officials further indicate a looming power struggle, raising concerns about the future of South Sudan’s peace process as regional leaders advocate for dialogue and stability.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
