Kenyan President Ruto urged sustained dialogue among South Sudan’s leaders to maintain peace following recent violent clashes. The situation escalated in Upper Nile State, prompting government arrests and accusations against opposition forces. The political climate remains tense, endangering the 2018 peace agreement aimed at unifying conflicting armed groups.
Kenyan President William Ruto has called for calm amidst escalating violence in South Sudan, which poses a risk to the peace agreement that concluded a five-year civil war. In his discussions with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, Ruto emphasized the importance of dialogue to achieve peace and stability in the nation, while regional efforts to address the crisis are underway.
The clashes, which began in Upper Nile State in mid-February between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the civilian militia known as the White Army, have intensified tensions in Juba. Following this outbreak of violence in the strategic town of Nasir, several senior government and military officials associated with Machar have been detained.
Recent reports indicate that the conflict has led to over 20 fatalities, with many injuries reported on the outskirts of Nasir, which borders Ethiopia. Notably, Machar’s spokesperson revealed the arrests of two ministers and other senior military officials aligned with him, while additional officials remain under house arrest, raising concerns about political stability.
Michael Makuei Lueth, the Minister of Information, confirmed the detentions, accusing the opposition SPLM/A-IO of aggression towards government positions in Nasir. Furthermore, Machar expressed discontent regarding the removal of his allies from their governmental roles in February, stating that this action endangers the integrity of the 2018 peace accord, which has encountered persistent obstacles, particularly in the unification of armed groups into a cohesive national army.
In summary, President Ruto’s appeal for dialogue between South Sudanese leaders underscores the urgency of addressing the escalating violence that threatens the fragile peace established after years of civil war. The recent clashes, political arrests, and accusations of aggression highlight the complexities of the situation as South Sudan navigates challenges in unifying its armed factions and maintaining stability. Continuous regional engagement and dialogue are essential to foster lasting peace in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.thestatesman.com