Airstrikes in Akobo, South Sudan, have caused panic as tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar escalate. Local officials report the strikes targeted civilian vehicles. Calls for international intervention and direct dialogue among leaders have arisen to prevent further conflict amidst the situation.
Recent airstrikes in Akobo, a border area of Jonglei State, South Sudan, have sparked concern and panic among residents. The strikes occurred on Tuesday afternoon during a period of escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, stirring fears of a potential return to civil war. Deployment of Ugandan special forces to South Sudan has added to the growing apprehension in the region.
According to Akobo County Commissioner Puok Nyang Tutjiek, the airstrikes targeted two vehicles carrying goods and passengers along the road connecting Walgak to Akobo. This contradicts claims suggesting the attack aimed to strike a vehicle believed to be carrying an SPLA-IO official, who had recently fled amid political instability. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, although many passengers fled the scene and remain unaccounted for.
Following the strikes, market activities came to a halt as residents sought shelter and local officials demanded clarification from the government in Juba regarding the incident. The civil society and international communities have expressed grave concerns regarding an escalation of conflict, particularly in light of increasing airstrikes in surrounding regions.
Ter Manyang, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, described the situation as a “dangerous escalation” and called for international mediation to prevent further violence. He urged for dialogue facilitation between Kiir and Machar, stressing the need for immediate international intervention.
In a related development, a coalition of Western embassies in Juba advocated for direct talks between Kiir, Machar, and other leaders to establish peace. Their official statement condemned the violence in the Upper Nile region, indicating readiness to assist in facilitating these peace talks, while expressing concern about credible reports of civilian casualties due to aerial attacks.
In summary, the airstrikes in Akobo have heightened fears of increased violence amid political instability in South Sudan. Calls for dialogue have emerged from civil society and international communities, with Western embassies advocating direct meetings between key leaders to forge a path toward peace. The situation remains critical, warranting immediate attention and intervention in hopes of restoring stability in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
