The international community has offered to assist South Sudan’s leaders in peace talks to restore stability. Six embassies and the EU Delegation highlighted the need for direct dialogue between Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir while condemning violence in Upper Nile State and urging leaders to prioritize peace and the interests of the people.
The international community is poised to aid in facilitating peace talks among South Sudan’s leaders to restore stability within the nation. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the Embassies of Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union Delegation, expressed their commitment to fostering direct dialogue between First Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir.
The collective message emphasized that immediate engagement between the two leaders is essential for peace restoration. It stated, “We reaffirm as a matter of urgency our call that South Sudan’s leaders, including President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, meet and engage in direct dialogue to restore and maintain peace. We are prepared to facilitate their discussion.”
Additionally, the statement denounced the ongoing violence in Upper Nile State, particularly during aerial bombardments in Nasir County, alongside credible reports of civilian harm. The embassies raised concerns regarding the challenges faced by South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) survivors from the Nasir Garrison, who reportedly have been unable to find safety, as well as the detention of senior officials in Juba without adequate charges.
The joint statement concluded with a call for South Sudan’s leaders to refrain from unilateral actions and denounce violence as a means of political rivalry. They urged leaders to prioritize the wellbeing and interests of the South Sudanese populace above all else.
The international community has reaffirmed its dedication to facilitating dialogue among South Sudan’s leaders, emphasizing the urgency of restoring peace. They condemned the ongoing violence, highlighted the plight of civilians, and called for a rejection of violent political tactics, urging leaders to place the welfare of South Sudan above personal interests.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
