Sudan and South Sudan’s leaders discussed unrest following the downing of a UN helicopter, which killed at least 27 people. The talks focused on bilateral relations and security, reflecting ongoing concerns over violence in South Sudan, prompting US evacuations of personnel. The UN condemned the helicopter attack as potentially a war crime, complicating the already fragile peace process.
Sudan and South Sudan leaders recently engaged in phone discussions concerning the unrest in South Sudan, particularly following a tragic incident involving a UN helicopter. The talks included Sudan’s Sovereign Council leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, focusing on bilateral relations. The Sudanese government expressed its commitment to ensuring security and stability in South Sudan.
In the conversations, Kiir reiterated his government’s dedication to fostering cooperation and stabilizing the situation in South Sudan. This engagement came in response to escalating security concerns, prompting the US to evacuate non-emergency personnel from the region.
The situation is dire, as ongoing armed conflicts involve various political and ethnic factions, with weapons being widely accessible. The UN helicopter was targeted while evacuating soldiers in Nasir City, resulting in the death of at least 27 individuals. This act has drawn severe condemnation from the UN, which described it as “utterly abhorrent” and suggested it could constitute a war crime.
The fragile peace process in South Sudan faces further challenges, particularly due to recent conflicts threatening the power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Clashes among allied forces are notably intensifying in Upper Nile state, where the militia known as the White Army has reportedly gained control of Nasir City after violent confrontations with government forces. Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has struggled to maintain stability against persistent unrest.
The phone call between the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan underscores ongoing security concerns and the commitment of both nations to cooperate amid a turbulent situation. The recent UN helicopter incident highlights the fragile peace in South Sudan, raising alarms about potential humanitarian and geopolitical implications. Continuous armed conflict and the threat to power-sharing agreements necessitate strengthened diplomatic efforts to restore stability and peace in the region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
