Kenyan President William Ruto urged South Sudan’s leaders to engage in dialogue to address escalating violence linked to political tensions. The call follows clashes in Upper Nile State, resulting in multiple casualties and the arrest of officials from the opposition party, raising concerns over the 2018 peace agreement.
Kenyan President William Ruto has called for tranquility in South Sudan, stating that the escalating security concerns threaten to undermine the peace accord that concluded a five-year civil war. His appeal, directed at South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, emphasizes the necessity for dialogue to establish stability within the nation, while regional efforts continue to support South Sudan under a cooperative framework.
President Ruto, who chairs the East African Community, made the urgent call in light of increased clashes that began in Upper Nile State in mid-February. These confrontations involved the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and local armed factions known as the White Army. The unrest in Nasir, a strategically important town, has heightened tensions in Juba, leading to the detention of high-ranking officials associated with the SPLM/A-IO party, under Machar’s leadership.
Reports indicate that more than 20 individuals have lost their lives due to the violence around Nasir, which has been left deserted as conflict escalated near the South Sudan-Ethiopia border. Spokesperson Puok Both Baluang disclosed that key ministers and military officials aligned with Machar were arrested, with additional military personnel subjected to house arrest by security agents.
Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, acknowledged the arrests, pointing out that the detainees were involved in unlawful activities. He further accused the SPLM/A-IO of launching attacks on government positions in Nasir this past Tuesday, as reported by Xinhua news agency. Machar expressed concern regarding the removal of his allies from government roles in February, asserting that such actions jeopardize the 2018 peace agreement intended to put an end to prolonged civil conflict, which has encountered continuous obstacles, specifically in the integration of armed factions into a unified national army.
In summary, President William Ruto’s call for dialogue among South Sudanese leaders highlights the urgent need for peace as violence escalates in Upper Nile State. The recent conflicts have resulted in significant casualties and further political instability, raising concerns about the sustainability of the 2018 peace agreement. The situation remains precarious as regional initiatives continue to seek a resolution to the crisis in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.thestatesman.com
