South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Dismisses Ambassador Amid Political Crisis
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir dismissed Ambassador Monica Achol Abel amid escalating political tensions with Vice President Riek Machar. This decision follows a pattern of late-night personnel changes and occurs alongside increased detentions of government officials. Kenyan President William Ruto acknowledges the crisis and calls for dialogue, as the fragile peace process in South Sudan faces further instability.
In a significant political upheaval, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has terminated the appointment of Monica Achol Abel as the ambassador to Kenya, merely four months after her formal recognition by President William Ruto. This decision, which was confirmed by a government source and disseminated via state television, lacks an official rationale but aligns with Kiir’s historical pattern of executing personnel changes during late-night hours, particularly on Mondays and Wednesdays.
The dismissal of Ambassador Abel coincides with escalating political tensions in Juba, particularly between Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Their relationship has notably soured, with armed forces now encircling Machar’s residence, instigating fears of potential instability impacting the existing coalition government. Furthermore, this action appears to be part of a systematic crackdown by the National Security Service (NSS) against influential political figures.
On a related note, Stephen Par Kuol, the Peacebuilding Minister, was apprehended by NSS operatives during a raid on his office, following the prior detention of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol. These developments signal a deepening internal conflict within the ruling party, consequently jeopardizing the already fragile peace processes in South Sudan.
Kenyan President William Ruto, orchestrating the Tumaini Initiative peace process, has recognized the escalation of the crisis. He engaged in discussions with both leaders and urged them to pursue dialogue to stabilize South Sudan. Ruto shared his commitment to galvanizing regional support in conjunction with IGAD’s strategic plans to restore peace.
Since its inception, South Sudan has experienced prolonged civil conflict beginning in December 2013 due to political rifts within the SPLA. Despite numerous peace agreements aimed at resolution, including those executed in 2015, 2017, 2018, and the most recent in June 2018, stability has yet to be achieved. The ongoing hostilities point towards a potentially precarious future for South Sudan’s unity and governance under President Kiir’s increasingly authoritarian approach.
In conclusion, the dismissal of Ambassador Monica Achol Abel signifies a critical point in South Sudan’s political landscape amid intensifying tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. The growing crackdown on political figures, coupled with the detention of high-ranking officials, raises significant concerns over the stability of the peace process. With regional leaders like President Ruto intervening, the prospect of a renewed dialogue may offer a glimmer of hope, yet the path forward remains fraught with challenges.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
