Somalia’s President Urges Dialogue to Address South Sudan Violence
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has urged for dialogue between South Sudan’s warring factions to prevent further violence and ensure stability. With escalating tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar resulting in unrest and civilian displacement, Mohamud emphasizes solidarity with South Sudan and dialogue as a path to peace. A recent UN incident has heightened concerns regarding security and human rights in the region.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has urged the conflicting factions in South Sudan to engage in dialogue amidst escalating violence in the recently formed nation. There is an imperative need to avoid further deterioration of the security situation, as both President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar find themselves in a divisive conflict, leading to significant unrest and displacement among communities.
In a recent phone call, President Mohamud expressed Somalia’s solidarity with the South Sudanese people and offered his support in achieving a peaceful resolution. He engaged both leaders in discussions concerning the impact of ongoing tensions that have already led to numerous casualties and significant disruption throughout the country.
The situation in South Sudan has prompted the U.S. State Department to advise nonemergency government personnel to evacuate from Juba due to rising violence. The warning highlighted the prevalence of arms within the population and the ongoing clashes between factions. The unrest has been exacerbated by the recent arrest of several government ministers connected to Riek Machar amid skirmishes triggered by the group known as the White Army.
Authorities have indicated that Machar’s residence has been secured by military forces, raising concerns among his supporters regarding the fragile peace agreement stemming from the civil war. The 2018 treaty has not sufficiently fostered mutual respect between Kiir and Machar, which continues to impact governance critically.
A recent attack involving a UN helicopter, on an evacuation mission, has also confirmed the deteriorating security, with UN officials designating the incident as a potential war crime. The UN Commission on Human Rights has warned that the recent violence poses a serious threat to the stability established by the peace agreement and urges immediate action to return focus to peace and human rights protections for the people of South Sudan.
Chairperson Yasmin Sooka emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize the peace process, indicating that the recent events represent a dangerous regression that could dismantle years of progress toward stability and democracy. The call for decisive action highlights the urgent necessity of protecting human rights and ensuring a transition toward democratic governance in South Sudan.
In conclusion, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s call for dialogue in South Sudan underscores the critical need for peaceful resolution amidst escalating violence. As tensions rise between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, with recent incidents further complicating stability, it is essential for leaders to prioritize peace processes and uphold human rights to avoid erasing years of progress. The international community’s attention remains significant for supporting South Sudan’s journey toward stability and democracy.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
