President Kiir, Museveni Strengthen Bilateral Ties, Pledge Regional Stability

-
Image
President Kiir, President Museveni and VP. Bol Mel.  ‎South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional peace and security. ‎ ‎During their meeting in Juba, the two leaders discussed pressing political and security issues affecting both nations and the broader East African region.  ‎ ‎The discussions covered a range of topics, including South Sudan’s upcoming elections, ongoing peace efforts, and the need for deeper economic collaboration between the two neighboring countries. ‎ ‎Focus on Political and Security Stability ‎South Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc stated that the meeting aimed to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors while addressing the political developments currently unfolding in the country.  ‎ ‎With South Sudan preparing for its first post-independence elections, Uganda’s continued support is seen as...
Post a Comment

South Sudan’s Political Crisis Deepens as Bishops Sound Alarm Over Machar’s Detention ‎

-



‎South Sudan is facing a deepening political crisis following the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar, a move that has triggered national and international alarm. 

‎Concerns are mounting that this development could unravel the already fragile peace agreement and reignite violent conflict in the world’s youngest nation.

‎

‎Machar’s Detention Sparks Unrest

‎According to reports, Machar was placed under house arrest after heavily armed government forces entered his residence, disarmed his bodyguards, and served him with an arrest warrant on unspecified charges. The SPLM-IO, Machar’s party, immediately condemned the act, calling it a violation of the 2018 peace agreement and declaring the accord “dead.”

‎This development comes at a time when South Sudan is preparing for its first-ever elections scheduled for December 2025. However, political tensions and distrust between President Salva Kiir and Machar longtime rivals turned uneasy partners have raised doubts about whether the elections will proceed peacefully.

‎

‎Bishops Call for Urgent Dialogue

‎In response to the unfolding crisis, the South Sudan and Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference issued a strong statement condemning Machar’s detention and warning of its potential consequences. The bishops urged both President Kiir and Machar to engage in urgent dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the political situation.

‎“We urge our leaders to put the nation above personal or political interests,” the bishops said in their statement. “The people of South Sudan should not be subjected to renewed suffering. Peace and stability must be preserved.”

‎

‎International Community Raises Alarm

‎International bodies, including the United Nations, African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), have also expressed grave concern. UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that the situation is “darkly reminiscent” of the civil wars that devastated South Sudan from 2013 to 2018, leading to the deaths of nearly 400,000 people and the displacement of millions.

‎The United States, the European Union, and other international partners have called on President Kiir to immediately release Machar, warning that his detention could escalate tensions and plunge the country back into chaos.

‎“The arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar is a dangerous move that threatens the fragile peace process,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson said. “We urge South Sudanese leaders to exercise restraint and commit to peaceful dialogue.”

‎

‎What’s Next for South Sudan?

‎With the SPLM-IO effectively withdrawing from the peace process and fears of renewed conflict rising, South Sudan stands at a crossroads. Will the nation’s leaders choose dialogue and reconciliation, or will political infighting and power struggles push the country into another round of devastating conflict?

‎For the people of South Sudan, who have endured decades of war, displacement, and economic hardship, the stakes could not be higher. The coming days will be critical in determining the country’s path forward.


‎Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

‎

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

South Sudan National Security Officer Dies by Suicide in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State ‎

-
Image
NSS uniform.  ‎A 33-year-old officer of South Sudan’s National Security Service died by suicide over the weekend in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State. ‎ ‎Magwi County Crime Officer, Kochi Richard Joseph, confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred around 7:30 PM. He noted that no one has been linked to the officer’s death at this time. ‎The deceased, identified as Ohure from the Lotuko community in Imurok, reportedly shot himself. His body was taken to the hospital and later returned for burial. Authorities are still gathering information, but initial assessments suggest that stress played a significant role in the tragedy. ‎ ‎Crime Officer Kochi emphasized the importance of open communication to reduce cases of suicide in the community. He urged individuals facing difficulties to speak out and seek help rather than suffering in silence. ‎ ‎“Suicide is not a criminal act but a personal decision often driven by overwhelming stress,” he stated. “If you have problems, share t...
Read more

Tensions Rise as SPLA-IO Officers Defect to Government Forces

-
Image
  IO defectors and NSS Spokesperson.  ‎South Sudan’s political and military landscape is experiencing renewed tensions after the defection of 463 SPLA-IO personnel to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF). The National Security Service (NSS) announced the move, stating that reintegrating the defectors into the government army is essential for stability and peace. ‎ ‎David John Kumuri, NSS spokesman, emphasized the importance of this process, saying, ‎"This reintegration is key to reducing violence and ensuring security across the country." ‎ ‎This marks the third mass defection of SPLA-IO members in recent weeks, following clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, last month. The opposition’s spokesperson, Col Lam Paul Gabriel, was unavailable for comment. ‎ ‎Political Uncertainty Deepens ‎The defections come amid heightened political tensions, including the recent house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, leader of the SPLM/A-IO. His confinement has sparked inter...
Read more

Raila Odinga Blocked from Meeting FVP Dr. Riek Machar as South Sudan Crisis Deepens, FVP Under House Arrest Amid Probe into General’s Killing ‎

-
Image
Raila Odinga and President Kiir.  ‎Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s attempt to meet with South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar in Juba has failed after President Salva Kiir declined the request. Machar remains under house arrest amid an ongoing investigation into the killing of a top general, a move that has further inflamed tensions in the country. ‎Odinga, who was on a mediation mission to de-escalate rising political tensions in South Sudan, met with President Kiir on Friday. However, sources close to the discussions confirmed that Kiir refused to allow Odinga access to Machar, who has been confined to his residence under heavy security. ‎Machar Under Investigation ‎The First Vice President’s house arrest follows deadly clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, which resulted in the killing of a high ranking military officer and at least ten others. The government alleges that forces loyal to Machar were involved in the violence, prompting an official probe into h...
Read more