Kenyan President William Ruto has appealed for dialogue between South Sudan’s leaders to address escalating violence, which endangers a peace agreement from 2018. Following violent clashes in Upper Nile State, significant arrests of political figures have raised tensions, prompting calls for regional consultations to stabilize the situation.
On March 7, 2025, Kenyan President William Ruto urged South Sudanese leaders to engage in constructive dialogue to mitigate escalating violence that jeopardizes an existing peace agreement. Following discussions with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, Ruto emphasized the need for calm in the region, which has witnessed recent clashes between government forces and the White Army, a civilian faction.
As Chairman of the East African Community, President Ruto disclosed that regional consultations are underway to identify effective strategies for stabilizing South Sudan. Renewed tensions were noted in Juba after clashes in mid-February near Nasir, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, raising alarm about the fragile peace.
Recent conflicts have prompted the arrest of senior officials associated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO). Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Lueth, confirmed that arrests were made on grounds of legal conflicts, specifically accusing the SPLM/A-IO of attacking governmental positions.
Vice President Machar condemned the detainment of his associates and warned that such actions threaten the integrity of the 2018 peace agreement. This agreement was designed to facilitate the unification of rival armed factions into a cohesive national military, a process that has encountered ongoing challenges and delays.
President William Ruto’s call for dialogue among South Sudanese leaders underscores the urgent need for peace and stability in a nation plagued by conflict. The escalating violence, particularly in Upper Nile State, along with the arrest of political figures, poses significant risks to ongoing peace efforts. As regional consultations progress, the future of South Sudan’s peace agreement remains precarious, necessitating collaborative efforts to unify its factions and restore order.
Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com
