Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for dialogue among South Sudan’s warring factions to prevent further violence and restore stability. The discord between leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar has led to unrest and civilian displacement. The U.S. State Department has issued an evacuation order amid escalating tensions, highlighting the urgent need for peace efforts.
In light of escalating violence in South Sudan, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has urged the warring factions to prioritize dialogue. Emphasizing the urgency of preventing further conflict, he acknowledged that South Sudan, the youngest nation in Africa, is in dire need of stability. The tensions are primarily due to the discord between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, whose communities have engaged in violent clashes, resulting in widespread displacement and numerous fatalities.
During a recent phone conversation, President Hassan Sheikh reached out to both leaders, advocating for constructive dialogue to avert an increase in hostilities that have spread across multiple states. He stated, “Today, I spoke with President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Riek Machar about the security situation in South Sudan.” He pledged Somalia’s solidarity and commitment to fostering a peaceful resolution in South Sudan.
Amid these developments, the U.S. State Department has issued an advisory, instructing non-emergency personnel to evacuate South Sudan’s capital due to the ongoing conflict. The advisory pointed out that fighting persists and that weapons are widely accessible among the populace. This alarming situation has seen several government ministers affiliated with Machar detained during violent disturbances instigated by a faction called the White Army, although they have since been released.
Tensions escalated further as Machar’s residence was encircled by military forces, raising fears among his supporters about the implications for the nation’s fragile peace agreement, established in 2018 after a prolonged civil war. Relations between Kiir and Machar have deteriorated, further jeopardizing the peace process.
A recent incident where a U.N. helicopter was attacked while on an evacuation mission has intensified the security crisis, with the U.N. labeling the act as a potential war crime. The U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan indicated that the ongoing violence poses a significant threat to the peace agreement, as stated by its chairperson, Yasmin Sooka, who remarked on the urgent need for leaders to re-engage in the peace process and uphold the rights of South Sudanese citizens.
In conclusion, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has called for dialogue among the warring factions in South Sudan to mitigate escalating violence and foster stability in the region. The situation remains precarious, with significant political tensions between leaders resulting in civil unrest and security threats. International entities are closely monitoring these developments, emphasizing the critical need for an adherence to peace agreements and respect for human rights.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
