Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed solidarity with South Sudan, emphasizing ongoing support for peace and stability. He communicated with President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar to address the recent tensions following political arrests and violent clashes. Mohamud underlined the importance of South Sudan’s stability for regional security and confirmed that regional dialogues are in progress.
Somalia
Somalia has expressed its unwavering support for the people of South Sudan amid rising political tensions, as stated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. In a recent phone conversation with South Sudanese leaders, Mohamud emphasized Somalia’s commitment to assisting in the pursuit of a peaceful and stable future for the nation. He articulated Somalia’s concern over the current developments and urged for dialogue and cooperation to avert further conflict.
During discussions with President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, Mohamud remarked, “South Sudan’s stability is integral to the peace and security of our wider region.” He reaffirmed that initiatives for regional dialogue are ongoing to bolster South Sudan’s stability and prosperity. The President reiterated a collective commitment to finding peaceful resolutions within the region.
Political tensions escalated in South Sudan when security forces arrested opposition leaders, including government ministers linked to Machar after recent violent conflicts. These incidents predominantly involved clashes between national forces and the White Army militia, affiliated with Machar’s ethnic Nuer community, in Nasir. Authorities justified the arrests citing alleged collaborations between Machar’s faction and the militia.
However, Machar’s party refuted these allegations, asserting that the arrests were due to legal disputes, as stated by Information Minister Michael Makuei. Compounding the volatility, a UN helicopter was downed while attempting to evacuate soldiers from Nasir, leading to casualties among crew members and soldiers, thus heightening the region’s instability.
South Sudan, having achieved independence in 2011, has faced turmoil since descending into civil war by 2013. Although a peace agreement in 2018 temporarily ceased major hostilities, the implementation of political reforms critical for stability, such as disarmament and election preparations, continues to lag behind schedule.
In summary, Somalia’s solidarity with South Sudan highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing political instability. Efforts to facilitate dialogue and promote a peaceful resolution are underway, but challenges remain significant. The situation is compounded by recent arrests of opposition leaders and violent clashes in South Sudan. Thus, continuous engagement from regional partners is essential for fostering long-term stability and peace.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
