President William Ruto urges South Sudan’s leaders to engage in dialogue to foster peace amidst escalating tensions, which threaten the fragile peace arrangement established in 2018. Recent actions, including military clashes and a Cabinet reshuffle, have prompted concerns over stability and the ongoing diplomatic efforts of IGAD to facilitate a resolution.
President William Ruto has appealed to South Sudan’s leaders, President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, to engage in constructive dialogue to promote peace. This request aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to stabilize South Sudan. Ruto emphasized the importance of setting aside differences in a recent discussion with the two leaders about escalated security concerns in the country.
Tensions in South Sudan have recently escalated, particularly following incidents where Vice President Machar’s residence was surrounded by armed soldiers, along with the detention of several of his allies after armed groups seized an army base. These events have heightened worries regarding the fragile peace agreement established in 2018, which ended a prolonged civil conflict.
In light of these challenges, President Ruto remarked on the ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at finding a sustainable resolution to the crisis. He stated, “I also informed the two leaders that regional consultations are underway to determine the best path forward for the situation in South Sudan.” This dialogue aims to facilitate stability within the region.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan, the youngest nation globally, has been plagued by internal strife. The civil war ignited in December 2013 due to a power struggle between President Kiir and Machar, resulting in a devastating toll on the population. The peace agreement signed in 2018 and the subsequent formation of a unity government in 2020 have struggled with successful implementation, facing obstacles such as delays in military unification and the establishment of local governance.
Recent developments have further strained the precarious peace. In March 2025, key officials, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, were arrested amid violent conflicts in Nasir. The clashes involved national forces and the White Army militia, tied to Machar’s Nuer ethnic group, intensifying fears over the peace deal.
Additionally, a Cabinet reshuffle by President Kiir, which led to the dismissal of important officials, has raised alarms about the stability of the peace agreement. Machar has contested these removals, insisting they breach the power-sharing deal and jeopardize the agreement’s existence.
In conclusion, President William Ruto’s call for dialogue between South Sudan’s leaders highlights the urgent need for peaceful resolutions amidst rising tensions. The fragile peace established in 2018 faces numerous challenges, exacerbated by recent conflicts and political instability. Diplomacy remains crucial as South Sudan navigates its complex situation and seeks to foster a unified, stable nation.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
