Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh calls for dialogue in South Sudan amidst rising violence between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, exacerbated by recent arrests and a U.N. helicopter attack. The U.S. issues evacuation orders as tensions threaten the fragile peace agreement.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has urged the conflicting factions in South Sudan to engage in dialogue, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent further violence in the country, which is striving for stability. The ongoing tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar have escalated, resulting in community violence, numerous casualties, and the displacement of thousands.
In a recent phone call with both leaders, Hassan Sheikh expressed his intention to promote peace, stating, “Somalia stands in full solidarity with the people of South Sudan and remains committed to supporting efforts for a peaceful and lasting resolution.” This dialogue is crucial as violence continues to ripple through several South Sudanese states.
As tensions rise, the U.S. State Department has ordered nonemergency personnel to evacuate from South Sudan’s capital amid ongoing fighting, particularly in the north. The travel advisory noted that the risk remains high, with weapons widely available among the populace.
The situation intensified following arrests of multiple ministers linked to Riek Machar amidst confrontations involving a militant group known as the White Army, which worsened the political landscape. Machar’s residence faced military surrounding as his supporters warned that these arrests jeopardized their peace agreement, originally brokered in 2018 after a five-year civil conflict.
The security crisis further deteriorated when an attack on a U.N. helicopter during an evacuation mission was classified as a potential war crime by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, raising alarm about the deteriorating human rights situation. Chairperson Yasmin Sooka highlighted the urgent need for leaders to prioritize peace efforts, stating that, “we are witnessing an alarming regression that could erase years of hard-won progress.”
In summary, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has called for dialogue among South Sudan’s warring factions to prevent further violence and instability. The ongoing conflict, marked by political tensions and violence, risks derailing the peace agreement established in 2018. The international community, particularly the U.S. and U.N., continues to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for urgent peace processes and human rights protection in the region.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
