Kenyan President William Ruto has urged South Sudan leaders to engage in dialogue amidst escalating violence that endangers a peace agreement. Recent clashes have led to numerous arrests and casualties, heightening tensions within the country. Ruto’s appeal aims to restore stability through regional cooperation and discussions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
On March 7, 2025, Kenyan President William Ruto issued a call for peace in South Sudan amidst escalating tensions that threaten a critical peace agreement. This agreement, which ended a five-year civil conflict, is now at risk due to recent clashes. Ruto spoke directly with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, urging for constructive dialogue to restore stability in the nation, as regional efforts continue to address these issues.
President Ruto, who holds the position of Chairman of the East African Community, emphasized the necessity for discussions between the leaders following violence that erupted in Upper Nile State in mid-February. The clashes involved the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and civilian armed groups known as the White Army in the town of Nasir, which has significantly increased tensions in Juba, the capital. The ramifications of this violence have led to the arrest of various senior officials aligned with Machar’s opposition group.
Recent reports indicate that over 20 individuals have lost their lives due to the violence near Nasir, a strategically significant location adjacent to the Ethiopian border. Additionally, Machar’s spokesperson reported that two ministers and senior military leaders associated with him have been detained, prompting further concerns regarding government stability. The Minister of Information confirmed these arrests, citing conflicts with the law as the reason.
Machar expressed his grievances over the recent removal of allies from governmental roles, arguing that such actions jeopardize the fragile 2018 peace accord intended to bring an end to the prolonged civil unrest. The process of unifying various armed factions into a national army has proven to be inconsistent, presenting ongoing challenges to the durability of the peace agreement.
In summary, President William Ruto’s appeal for dialogue between South Sudan’s leaders emerges as an urgent response to escalating violence that compromises the existing peace agreement. Key political tensions further exacerbate the fragile situation, highlighting the need for regional cooperation to stabilize South Sudan. The ongoing arrests of senior officials illustrate internal conflicts that threaten the peace efforts initiated in 2018, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and unity among the nation’s leadership.
Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com
