Ruto Urges South Sudan Leaders to Engage in Dialogue for Peace

President William Ruto has called upon South Sudan’s leaders, Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, to engage in dialogue to foster peace as tensions escalate. Recent incidents threaten the fragile peace established by a 2018 agreement. Ongoing diplomatic efforts are aimed at stabilizing the region, while recent arrests and a Cabinet reshuffle have heightened concerns regarding the implementation of the peace accord.

On March 7, President William Ruto of Kenya urged the leaders of South Sudan, President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, to engage in dialogue to promote peace in their country. Ruto emphasized the need for the two leaders to set aside their differences as the region strives for stabilization within the framework established by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). He stated, “I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace in the country.”

This call for dialogue comes amid rising tensions in South Sudan. Recently, Vice President Machar’s residence was surrounded by soldiers, and several of his allies were detained following the capture of an army base by an armed group. The series of incidents heightens concerns regarding the fragile peace agreement signed in 2018, which had aimed to restore stability after a prolonged civil conflict. Ruto remarked, “I also informed the two leaders that regional consultations are underway to determine the best path forward for the situation in South Sudan.”

Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with internal strife. A political dispute between Kiir and Machar in December 2013 led to a civil war that persisted until 2018, claiming around 400,000 lives and displacing millions. Though a peace accord was signed in 2018, allowing Machar to return as Vice President within a unity government established in 2020, the implementation of this agreement has faced significant challenges, including delays in unification of armed forces and establishing local governance.

Particular concerns were raised following recent developments. Notably, on March 1, 2025, Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and senior military officials aligned with Machar were detained, coinciding with violent confrontations in the town of Nasir between national forces and the militia known as the White Army. Additionally, President Kiir’s recent Cabinet reshuffle, which included the dismissal of pivotal officials, has increased unease regarding the peace agreement’s stability. Machar has called for the reinstatement of these officials, arguing that their removal undermines the power-sharing agreement.

In summary, President William Ruto has stressed the necessity for dialogue between South Sudan’s leaders, Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and security concerns. The fragile peace established by a 2018 agreement is currently threatened by recent developments, including detentions and political reshuffles. Regional diplomatic efforts aim to identify sustainable solutions to restore and maintain stability in South Sudan as the nation continues to navigate its complex internal conflicts.

Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke