Kenya Urges South Sudanese Leaders to Foster Dialogue for Peace

President William Ruto of Kenya has urged South Sudanese leaders to engage in dialogue amid an escalating security crisis that threatens the existing peace agreement. Recent clashes in Upper Nile State have led to violence and the arrest of key political figures, raising concerns about the stability of South Sudan and the future of the 2018 peace deal.

Kenyan President William Ruto has urged leaders of South Sudan to engage in dialogue to address the escalating security issues that threaten the peace agreement that concluded a five-year civil conflict. This appeal was made during a conversation with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, as the region strives to stabilize South Sudan within a broader regional framework.

In a statement following these discussions in Nairobi, Ruto indicated that regional consultations are ongoing to assess the best strategies moving forward for South Sudan. His comments came in the context of violent clashes that erupted in mid-February in Upper Nile State between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and armed civilian groups known as the White Army.

The recent fighting in Nasir, a strategically significant town, has further inflamed tensions in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, resulting in the detention of several senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), led by Machar. Reports indicate that over 20 individuals have lost their lives in the confrontations on the outskirts of Nasir, which is now largely deserted.

Riek Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, confirmed the arrest of two ministers and other senior officials aligned with Machar, while additional military officials are under house arrest. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth verified these detentions, attributing them to conflicts with legal protocols.

Lueth also accused SPLM/A-IO of initiating attacks on government positions in Nasir, as reported by Xinhua. In light of his long-standing rivalry with President Kiir, Machar has condemned the removal of his associates from government roles, asserting that such actions jeopardize the already tenuous 2018 peace accord, which has struggled to realize its objectives, particularly regarding the unification of armed factions into a singular national army.

The urgent call for dialogue by President Ruto underscores the critical need for cooperation between South Sudan’s leaders to prevent the further deterioration of peace and security within the country. Amid escalating violence and political tensions, the viability of the 2018 peace agreement remains at risk, necessitating immediate and collaborative efforts to foster stability and unity among conflicting factions.

Original Source: www.thestatesman.com