President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia calls for calm in South Sudan amidst escalating violence between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. He emphasizes the need for dialogue and solidarity to prevent further conflict. The U.S. has ordered nonemergency personnel to leave as tensions rise, with the U.N. also warning of potential war crimes related to the conflict.
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has urged the conflicting factions in South Sudan to engage in dialogue. He emphasized the critical need to mitigate violence in the nation, which is currently facing instability. The ongoing conflict is primarily between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, resulting in community violence and significant displacement of individuals, alongside numerous fatalities.
In an effort to promote peace, President Hassan Sheikh reached out to both Kiir and Machar during a phone conversation, highlighting support for a peaceful resolution. He stated, “Somalia stands in full solidarity with the people of South Sudan and remains committed to supporting efforts for a peaceful and lasting resolution.”
In response to the escalating conflict, the U.S. State Department advised the evacuation of nonemergency personnel in South Sudan’s capital due to ongoing clashes, noting that “weapons are readily available to the population.” Arrests of several government ministers associated with Riek Machar occurred following actions by a group known as the White Army, which heightens tensions significantly.
The current situation includes the army surrounding Machar’s residence amidst concerns that government actions threaten the fragile peace agreement established in 2018 after years of civil war. Furthermore, an assault on a U.N. helicopter on an evacuation mission has further exacerbated security challenges, leading the U.N. to classify the incident as potentially a war crime.
The U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan expressed alarm over the violence and instability affecting peace initiatives. Chairperson Yasmin Sooka warned that the progress made over recent years is at risk of reversal, urging leaders to prioritize peace, protect human rights, and facilitate a democratic transition in South Sudan.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has called for urgent dialogue between the conflicting factions in South Sudan to avert further violence and stabilize the region. The ongoing tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar threaten peace agreements and have led to significant humanitarian concerns. The international community, highlighted by the U.N. and the U.S. State Department, continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for collaborative peace efforts.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
