Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud affirmed solidarity with South Sudan’s citizens amidst political unrest. Following discussions with South Sudanese leaders, he expressed concerns over recent arrests of opposition politicians and emphasized the need for dialogue. Mohamud described South Sudan’s stability as vital for regional peace and noted ongoing efforts to support resolution of conflicts.
The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has declared that Somalia stands in full solidarity with the people of South Sudan amid rising political tensions. This statement followed a telephone conversation he held with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Mohamud emphasized the importance of engaging in efforts to foster a peaceful and stable future for South Sudan.
During this communication, President Mohamud expressed Somalia’s deep concern regarding recent developments in South Sudan, particularly after the arrest of opposition party leaders. He urged for immediate dialogue and cooperative measures to avert further escalation of tensions, highlighting that South Sudan’s stability is essential for peace and security in the wider region.
The Somali leader assured both Kiir and Machar of ongoing regional discussions aimed at promoting South Sudan’s stability. He reaffirmed that the region is dedicated to supporting efforts for a peaceful resolution of conflicts within South Sudan, which has faced significant turmoil.
Tensions in South Sudan escalated recently when security forces allegedly loyal to Kiir detained two government ministers and several senior military officials associated with Machar. These events occurred in conjunction with violent confrontations between national forces and the White Army militia, which predominantly includes members of Machar’s ethnic Nuer community. The government claimed the arrests were related to supposed associations with the militia, which Machar’s faction has denied.
Moreover, a UN helicopter attempting to evacuate soldiers from Nasir was shot down, resulting in casualties among the crew and soldiers. This incident has further exacerbated the already volatile environment in the region. South Sudan, which declared independence in 2011, has struggled with civil unrest since a war broke out in 2013. Although a peace agreement in 2018 halted large-scale fighting, vital reforms have not progressed as expected.
In summary, Somalia’s unwavering support for South Sudan aims to stabilize the political landscape amidst rising tensions following the arrests of opposition leaders. The ongoing dialogue between Somali and South Sudanese leaders reflects a commitment to fostering peace. Somalia recognizes that the stability of South Sudan is crucial for regional peace and security, while incidents of violence complicate an already fragile situation.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
