Kenyan President William Ruto has called for dialogue between South Sudanese leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar to address escalating violence threatening a precarious peace agreement. Clashes have resulted in numerous fatalities and tensions leading to arrests of key government officials. Ruto emphasized ongoing regional consultations to determine a positive path forward for South Sudan.
Kenyan President William Ruto has recently urged for calm in South Sudan, where an increasing security crisis poses a risk to a fragile peace agreement established post the five-year civil war. During discussions with South Sudanese leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, President Ruto emphasized the necessity for these leaders to engage in peaceful dialogue to stabilize the nation, particularly under a regional framework aimed at enhancing peace efforts.
In a statement issued from Nairobi, Ruto noted, “I also informed the two leaders that regional consultations are underway to determine the best path forward for the situation in South Sudan.” His plea follows renewed clashes in Upper Nile State, which have exacerbated tensions in the capital, Juba, following conflicts between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and armed civilian factions known as the White Army.
The clashes in Nasir, a significant strategic town, have culminated in a tragic loss of life, with reports indicating over 20 fatalities and numerous injuries. There has also been a notable increase in governmental tensions, leading to the arrest and house arrest of senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition, a faction led by Machar.
Reports from Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, revealed that two ministers along with senior military personnel aligned with Machar had been apprehended. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed these arrests, attributing them to conflicts with the law and accusing the SPLM/A-IO of aggression toward government positions in Nasir.
Moreover, Machar has condemned the recent purges of his allies, asserting that such actions jeopardize the 2018 peace accord established between his faction and Kiir’s administration. This agreement has historically encountered numerous setbacks, especially regarding the integration of armed groups into a unified national army.
In summary, Kenyan President William Ruto’s call for dialogue between South Sudanese leaders seeks to mitigate escalating tensions and uphold the fragile peace established post-civil war. The recent violence, coupled with government arrests, threatens to dismantle the hard-fought peace process, highlighting the need for continued regional support and cooperative political engagement to stabilize the country.
Original Source: www.thestatesman.com
