The international community is facilitating talks between South Sudanese leaders to address ongoing violence and restore peace. A joint statement from several embassies emphasized the need for dialogue and condemned violence, urging leaders to prioritize citizen welfare.
The international community has proposed to facilitate direct communication between the leaders of South Sudan, aiming to restore peace and stability in the region. A joint statement issued on Tuesday by the embassies of Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the European Union Delegation, affirmed their commitment to support diplomatic negotiations between First Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir.
The statement emphasized the urgency of dialogue, urging that leaders engage in discussions to achieve lasting peace. “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,” the statement articulated.
Concerns were raised regarding ongoing violence in Upper Nile State, specifically referencing aerial bombardments in Nasir County that have resulted in civilian casualties. Moreover, reports indicated that survivors from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) at the Nasir Garrison were struggling to return to safety, alongside worries about the detention of senior officials in Juba without legal charges.
The embassies together voiced their disapproval, stating, “We deplore the continued violence in Upper Nile State, including aerial bombardment in Nasir County and credible reports of civilian casualties. We remain concerned about reports of SSPDF survivors of the Nasir Garrison who have been unable to return to safe locations, as well as of continued detentions in Juba of senior officials without charges.”
Additionally, the international community urged all South Sudanese leaders to refrain from unilateral actions and to dismiss violence as a means of political rivalry, prioritizing the welfare of the South Sudanese people.
In summary, the international community has underscored the importance of direct dialogue between South Sudan’s leaders to facilitate peace negotiations. The embassies have condemned the current violence in Upper Nile State and highlighted concerns regarding civilian safety and the unlawful detention of officials. They have called for leaders to prioritize the interests of their citizens and reject violence in political affairs.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
