Global Diplomats Urge South Sudan to Release Machar to Prevent Crisis as Mediation Begins
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Synopsis
Foreign diplomats are urging South Sudan's President Salva Kiir to lift the house arrest of Riek Machar to avoid further political tensions. They stress the importance of dialogue and immediate cease-fire to ensure peace in the nation.
Key Takeaways
- International diplomats urge lifting Machar’s house arrest.
- Call for immediate cease-fire and dialogue.
- Concerns over potential escalation of conflict.
- IGAD warns about the risk of war.
- Raila Odinga appointed as special envoy.
Juba, March 28 (NationPress) International diplomats have urged South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to lift the reported house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar to avert further escalation of the nation’s political unrest.
In a collaborative statement released in the South Sudanese capital of Juba on Thursday evening, diplomats representing Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, France, Germany, the United States, and the European Union delegation urged Kiir and other influential leaders to implement an immediate cease-fire.
The diplomats expressed serious concern regarding the reports of Machar's confinement at his home.
"We urge President Kiir to reverse this action to prevent any further escalation. We highlight that First Vice President Machar’s role in the government is defined under Article 1.7.2 of the 2018 Peace Agreement (the R-ARCSS)," stated the foreign envoys.
"We emphasize the urgent need for all party leaders to engage in direct dialogue without delay and to show their genuine commitment to achieving peace."
South Sudan's global peace partners, including the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African organization, have voiced their concerns regarding the escalating political scenario and have urged leaders to adopt dialogue as a means to resolve the ongoing standoff, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"The current path, if not addressed, could result in a collapse of the transitional process and a return to full-scale war, leading to catastrophic effects for the people of South Sudan and the surrounding region," IGAD remarked on Thursday.
This statement followed the incident on Wednesday night when Machar was placed under house arrest after an armed convoy, led by prominent security officials including the defense minister, entered his residence in Juba and disarmed his security team.
The standoff has triggered fears that the world's newest nation might revert to conflict, just six years after emerging from a civil war that resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements.
Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Thursday the appointment of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a special envoy to South Sudan to assist in de-escalating the political tensions. Odinga is scheduled to travel to South Sudan on Friday as part of regional efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
Ruto mentioned that he contacted Kiir on Thursday regarding the events leading to Machar's detention and later had discussions with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali before finalizing Odinga’s appointment.
The African Union (AU) Commission stated that the pan-African organization will deploy the AU Panel of the Wise, chaired by retired Kenyan judge Effie Owuor, to support mediation initiatives.
South Sudan achieved independence in July 2011. However, conflict erupted in December 2013 between troops loyal to Kiir and opposition forces led by Machar, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths. The peace agreement in 2018 concluded the fighting and established a unity government.
Nevertheless, the relationship between Kiir and Machar, who have been central figures in South Sudan's politics for years, remains tense. The latest political upheaval between the two leaders has disturbed many citizens and the international community.
