Kenya’s President William Ruto has urged South Sudanese leaders to engage in dialogue to curb escalating violence that jeopardizes a peace agreement. Recent conflicts have led to arrests of key officials, raising concerns about the stability of the region. The peace deal aimed at uniting armed groups faces significant challenges amid the power struggle between political leaders.
In a recent appeal, Kenyan President William Ruto urged South Sudanese leaders to prioritize dialogue to resolve ongoing clashes that threaten a pivotal peace agreement. This plea was directed towards President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, amidst a deteriorating security situation in South Sudan. Ruto emphasized the importance of dialogue as a means to foster stability and peace in the nation during a discussion held on Thursday.
Ruto’s call for peace follows violent confrontations in Upper Nile State between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the armed civilian groups known as the White Army. This conflict has notably intensified in the town of Nasir, leading to fears in the capital, Juba, and resulting in the arrest of key government and military officials. A statement released by the presidency indicated that regional consultations are ongoing to identify effective solutions for South Sudan’s challenges.
Recent fighting has reportedly resulted in over 20 fatalities, with many others injured in the vicinity of Nasir, which has now been abandoned due to the violence. Puok Both Baluang, spokesperson for Machar, confirmed that two ministers among several senior military officials were detained, while additional officials faced house arrests by security forces.
Minister Michael Makuei Lueth clarified the arrest of officials for legal violations, attributing recent conflicts to the SPLM/A-IO’s aggression against government positions in Nasir. Machar has condemned the capture and removal of his allies from government roles, perceiving this as a threat to the 2018 peace agreement that aims to stabilize the region following years of civil conflict. Yet, this agreement has struggled with consistent interruptions and difficulties, particularly regarding the unification of various armed factions into a national army.
The escalating violence in South Sudan, highlighted by significant clashes in Upper Nile State, calls for urgent dialogue among political leaders. President William Ruto has reinforced the necessity of collaborative efforts to maintain peace as tensions rise in the region. The detainment of senior officials and the ongoing challenges in implementing the peace agreement underscore the fragility of the current political landscape.
Original Source: www.thestatesman.com
