Kenyan President William Ruto has urged South Sudan leaders to engage in dialogue to resolve the growing security crisis that threatens a peace agreement established after a five-year civil war. The recent clashes in Upper Nile state have exacerbated tensions and led to multiple arrests of government officials, highlighting the fragility of the ongoing peace process.
Kenya’s President William Ruto has called for peace in South Sudan, amid increasing tensions that threaten the existing peace agreement that concluded a five-year civil war. During discussions with South Sudanese leadership on March 7, he emphasized the necessity for both President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar to engage in dialogue to ensure stability in the country. Ruto indicated that regional consultations are currently being held to determine viable solutions to South Sudan’s ongoing issues.
The urgency for peace is heightened by recent violent clashes in Upper Nile State, which began in mid-February between South Sudan’s Defence Forces and an armed group known as the White Army. This violence has escalated tensions significantly in Juba, leading to the detention of several high-ranking officials linked to Machar’s faction, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO). The fighting around Nasir, a critical area bordering Ethiopia, has resulted in over 20 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Reports indicate that Machar’s spokesperson noted arrests of ministers and military figures associated with him, with accusations concerning attacks on government positions. The Information Minister confirmed these detentions, citing legal conflicts as the reason. Additionally, Machar has voiced concerns about the removal of his allies, warning that such actions threaten the fragile 2018 peace accord aimed at uniting armed factions into a cohesive national defense force.
Kenya’s President Ruto’s appeal for dialogue in South Sudan underscores the critical need for peace and stability. The recent violence in Upper Nile State and subsequent arrests of senior officials are detrimental to the fragile peace agreement. Ruto’s call for regional consultations reflects ongoing efforts to address South Sudan’s escalating tensions, which require united leadership to foster enduring solutions.
Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com
