Sudan and South Sudan leaders held talks regarding unrest following a UN helicopter attack that resulted in 27 deaths. Discussions focused on mutual cooperation and security stability, coming amidst U.S. evacuation orders for nonemergency personnel due to escalating violence. The potential for renewed clashes threatens the existing peace agreements.
Sudan and South Sudan leaders discussed the escalating unrest in South Sudan following a tragic incident involving a UN helicopter. The helicopter, while attempting to evacuate soldiers, came under fire in Nasir City, resulting in at least 27 fatalities. Sudan’s Sovereign Council leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir engaged in telephone talks to address the situation and bilateral relations.
During these discussions, al-Burhan expressed his concerns about maintaining security and stability in South Sudan, emphasizing the Sudanese government’s commitment to this goal. President Kiir reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan, mentioning the need to establish security and stabilize the region.
The urgency of these talks was heightened as the US advised nonemergency government personnel to leave South Sudan due to security threats. Concerns persist regarding ongoing armed conflicts and widespread availability of weapons, impacting peace processes in the region.
The recent violence in Nasir City poses a potential setback to the fragile peace agreement governing the power-sharing arrangement between Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, which has already been under strain. Clashes between their allied forces and local militias, like the White Army linked to Machar’s ethnic community, exacerbate the instability in the area. It is vital for both governments to navigate these challenges to sustain progress since South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
The discussions between Sudan and South Sudan leadership underscore the urgent need for cooperation to confront the unrest following the UN helicopter incident. With rising tensions and the threat to peace agreements, both nations must prioritize stability and security measures. The stakes are high for the future of South Sudan, as ongoing violence and ethnic conflicts continue to challenge effective governance and peace efforts.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
