Sudan and South Sudan Leaders Address Unrest Following UN Helicopter Attack
Sudan and South Sudan leaders discussed unrest following a UN helicopter incident that left 27 dead. The U.S. has urged non-emergency personnel to leave due to security concerns. Burhan emphasized Sudan’s commitment to South Sudan’s stability, while Kiir shared his determination to bolster cooperation. Violence stemming from political and ethnic conflicts continues to threaten peace in the region.
On a recent Sunday evening, the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Salva Kiir respectively, engaged in a phone conversation addressing the ongoing unrest in South Sudan. Their discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations and aligning on mutual areas of concern, as articulated by Sudan’s Sovereign Council. While Burhan expressed his intent to support stability in South Sudan, Kiir reaffirmed his dedication to fostering cooperation between their two nations.
The dialogue was initiated shortly after the United States urged non-emergency governmental personnel to vacate South Sudan due to escalating security issues. The U.S. Department of State highlighted that armed conflicts persist, fueled by various political and ethnic factions, with weapons being abundantly accessible among the populace. On Friday, a UN helicopter was shot down in Nasir City while attempting to evacuate soldiers, resulting in the tragic fatalities of at least 27 individuals.
This incident has been branded by the United Nations as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially demonstrative of a war crime, threatening an already fragile peace agreement between Kiir and first vice-president Riek Machar. Recent violence among their allied forces has jeopardized a power-sharing arrangement, particularly highlighted by the White Army militia, connected to Machar’s ethnic group, seizing control of Nasir city following altercations with government troops. South Sudan declared independence from Sudan in 2011 after a referendum, emphasizing the historical context of the ongoing conflicts.
The discussions between the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan reflect their mutual concern regarding the instability prevalent in South Sudan. With the U.S. recently issuing warnings about security threats and violence escalating, the urgency for cooperation is evident. The UN helicopter incident underscores the fragility of peace in the region, raising alarms about potential repercussions for ongoing political agreements. Both nations’ leaders commit to fostering stability, yet the path forward remains fraught with challenges.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
