Kenya’s Call for Dialogue: Efforts to Calm South Sudan’s Rising Tensions
Kenya’s President William Ruto called on South Sudan leaders to engage in constructive dialogue to mitigate rising tensions stemming from recent clashes. With over twenty fatalities reported, the situation endangers the peace agreement that concluded the civil war, as arrests of key officials escalate political tensions. Ruto emphasizes regional efforts for stability in South Sudan.
On March 7, 2025, Kenyan President William Ruto appealed to South Sudanese leaders for calm amid escalating violence that jeopardizes the peace established after a five-year civil conflict. Speaking with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, Ruto emphasized the importance of dialogue to restore peace in the nation while regional efforts to stabilize South Sudan are ongoing.
Ruto, in his role as Chairman of the East African Community, addressed recent clashes in Upper Nile State between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the White Army, an armed civilian group. The situation has intensified in the strategic town of Nasir, causing unrest in Juba, leading to the detention of high-ranking officials from Machar’s faction, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO).
The violence has resulted in over twenty casualties and many injuries around the deserted outskirts of Nasir, located on the border with Ethiopia. Machar’s spokesperson reported that several ministers and military officials supporting him were arrested this week, underpinning ongoing tensions within the government. Minister Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed the arrests, attributing them to legal conflicts, while also accusing the SPLM/A-IO of attacking government positions in Nasir.
Machar has condemned the removal of his allies, asserting that these actions threaten the fragile 2018 peace agreement aimed at conclusion of civil war. The agreement’s implementation is facing ongoing challenges, particularly related to the unification of armed factions into a national army.
Kenya’s President Ruto has urged South Sudan’s leaders to engage in dialogue to alleviate rising tensions following violence in Upper Nile State. The arrest of officials associated with Machar and escalating clashes threaten the fragile peace following a prolonged civil war. Ensuring stability in South Sudan hinges on renewed negotiation and cooperation amongst leadership to uphold the 2018 peace agreement.
Original Source: www.lokmattimes.com
