President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has urged dialogue among warring factions in South Sudan to prevent escalation of violence. President Kiir and Vice President Machar are entangled in conflict leading to significant instability. The U.S. State Department has ordered an evacuation of nonemergency personnel due to increasing tensions and violence. The situation has been further exacerbated by a recent attack on a U.N. helicopter.
In recent statements, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia expressed concern over the growing violence in South Sudan, urging opposing factions to engage in dialogue. He highlighted the urgent need to curb the escalating conflict in Africa’s youngest country, which is facing significant instability. Currently, President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar are caught in a contentious dispute that has resulted in violence and the displacement of numerous individuals.
As tensions rise, President Hassan Sheikh reached out to both leaders in a recent phone conversation, advocating for dialogue to prevent further deteriorations in peace. He conveyed, “Somalia stands in full solidarity with the people of South Sudan and remains committed to supporting efforts for a peaceful and lasting resolution.”
The situation in South Sudan has worsened, prompting the U.S. State Department to order nonemergency personnel to evacuate from Juba due to ongoing hostilities. A travel advisory disclosed the prevalence of arms among civilians, exacerbating the violence. Recent arrests of government ministers linked to Riek Machar further inflamed the tensions, with Machar’s home encircled by military forces amid fears for the stability of the peace agreement established in 2018.
Adding to the distressing circumstances, a recent attack on a U.N. helicopter during an evacuation mission has raised alarms, with the U.N. human rights body categorizing the act as a potential war crime. Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, emphasized the urgent need for leaders to recommit to the peace process, stating that the current violence threatens to undo years of progress. She urged leaders to prioritize human rights and a transition to democracy in South Sudan.
In summary, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has called for urgent dialogue among warring factions in South Sudan to avert further violence. With escalating tensions and significant risks to the peace agreement, it is crucial that leaders prioritize the peace process and uphold the rights of citizens. The international community, particularly through bodies like the U.N., must remain vigilant and supportive to foster stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
