Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for dialogue among the warring factions in South Sudan to prevent escalation of violence after recent conflicts between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The unrest has displaced thousands and threatened peace agreements. The U.N. has raised alarms over the deteriorating situation.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has urged for peaceful dialogue among warring factions in South Sudan to avert further violence in the nation, which is facing instability. The conflict, primarily between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, has resulted in violent confrontations between their respective communities, displacing thousands and leading to numerous casualties.
In a recent telephone discussion, President Hassan Sheikh conveyed his concerns directly to Presidents Kiir and Machar, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue. He expressed Somalia’s solidarity with the South Sudanese people and reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to supporting the pursuit of a peaceful resolution amidst the ongoing turmoil.
The situation in South Sudan has intensified, prompting the U.S. State Department to evacuate nonemergency personnel from the capital due to escalating violence in the north. An advisory indicated that fighting was ongoing and weapons were readily available, reflecting a deepening crisis.
Violence was exacerbated further when members of the White Army instigated clashes, leading to the arrest of several ministers associated with Machar, who were later released. These arrests have agitated tensions surrounding the peace agreement made in 2018, originally intended to foster stability after a prolonged civil war.
The security landscape deteriorated when an attack on a U.N. helicopter during an evacuation mission was labeled a potential war crime, as the violence escalates both in the north and the capital, Juba. The U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan highlighted the risk of this turmoil undermining the existing peace agreement, calling for a renewed focus on peace and human rights.
Chairperson Yasmin Sooka articulated the dire situation, stating, “We are witnessing an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress. Rather than fueling division and conflict, leaders must urgently refocus on the peace process and uphold the human rights of South Sudanese citizens.”
The call for dialogue by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presents a crucial opportunity to address the escalating conflict in South Sudan. As violence continues to displace citizens and threaten peace agreements, international support and focused negotiations are essential to stabilize the region. The potential consequences of inaction are dire, with leaders urged to prioritize peace and human rights to restore hope for a democratic transition in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
