Kenya’s President William Ruto calls for dialogue among South Sudanese leaders amid rising tensions threatening a peace agreement. Recent clashes in Upper Nile State have led to arrests of SPLM/A-IO officials, raising concerns about the 2018 peace deal’s stability. Machar criticizes governmental actions that jeopardize the peace process.
Kenya’s President William Ruto has called for urgent dialogue among South Sudan’s leadership to address the escalating tensions that threaten a fragile peace agreement. During discussions with President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, Ruto emphasized the importance of collaboration to restore stability, noting that regional consultations are in progress, aimed at achieving a consensus on the path forward.
The unrest stems from recent clashes in Upper Nile State between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and civilian groups like the White Army. This violence has intensified fears in Juba, resulting in the detention of high-ranking officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), led by Machar, amid reports of over 20 casualties and injuries around Nasir, a strategic town near the border with Ethiopia.
Machar’s spokesperson reported the arrest of two ministers and senior military personnel associated with him, while others experienced house arrest. Proper justification for the detentions was indicated by Minister of Information, Makuei Lueth, who accused the SPLM/A-IO of attacking government positions, leading to these legal actions.
In response to the political turmoil, Machar criticized the removal of his allies from government roles, asserting that such actions undermine the 2018 peace agreement. The agreement, which sought to conclude years of internal conflict, has faced numerous setbacks, particularly in efforts to unify the nation’s armed forces into a cohesive army.
President Ruto’s appeal for dialogue underscores the urgency of resolving conflicts in South Sudan to protect the fragile peace process. The recent violence has led to several arrests, further complicating the political landscape. The continued instability poses serious challenges to the goals set forth in the peace agreement, illustrating the intricate dynamics between the leadership of South Sudan.
Original Source: www.thestatesman.com
