Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for dialogue among South Sudan’s warring factions to prevent escalating violence. Amidst rising tensions, the U.S. has urged nonemergency personnel to evacuate, while recent arrests related to the conflicts exacerbate fears of destabilization. The U.N. warns that the ongoing violence threatens the country’s fragile peace agreement, highlighting a need for renewed commitment to human rights and democratic transition.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has urged the opposing factions in South Sudan to pursue dialogue, emphasizing the critical importance of preventing further violence in the nation, which is Africa’s newest country and is currently facing significant challenges to its stability. The ongoing discord between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar has resulted in violence, displacing thousands and causing numerous fatalities.
In his outreach, President Hassan Sheikh engaged both leaders via telephone, stressing the necessity for dialogue to de-escalate the ongoing conflict that has spread across several states. “Today, I spoke with President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Riek Machar about the security situation in South Sudan,” he stated, underscoring Somalia’s solidarity with South Sudan’s populace and commitment to peace.
Amidst rising tensions, the U.S. State Department ordered nonemergency personnel to evacuate from South Sudan’s capital, citing ongoing violence and easy access to weapons by civilians. Recently, several government ministers, linked to Riek Machar, were briefly arrested amid escalating conflict triggered by a militia group known as the White Army; this incident has heightened concerns for the country’s fragile peace.
Furthermore, assaults on United Nations personnel, including an attack on a U.N. helicopter engaging in an evacuation mission, have exacerbated the security predicament. The U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has cautioned that the recent turmoil threatens the sustainability of the peace agreement established in 2018, highlighting a possible regression from the progress made since the civil war.
Yasmin Sooka, the chairperson of the U.N. Commission, remarked, “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, uphold the human rights of South Sudanese citizens, and ensure a smooth transition to democracy.”
The article highlights the urgent appeal by Somalia’s President for dialogue among rival South Sudanese leaders to prevent further violence. The deteriorating security situation and recent events underscore the volatility in South Sudan, necessitating international attention and intervention. The emphasis on upholding peace and human rights remains paramount for the future stability of the region.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
