Tensions continue to rise in South Sudan as a standoff between the government and opposition threatens to destabilize the country.
In response to the crisis, Kenya’s President William Ruto has stepped in to mediate in his role as the Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC).
President Ruto confirmed that he had engaged in discussions with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit in an effort to resolve the conflict.
Additionally, he held talks with the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, to address the deteriorating security situation.
Ruto emphasized the need for open dialogue, urging both leaders to engage in constructive discussions that could restore peace and stability.
His intervention comes amid growing concerns following the arrest of South Sudan’s Petroleum Minister, Puot Kang Chol, and several high-ranking military officials allied with Machar. These arrests have intensified fears of further unrest.
“This morning, I had a conversation with President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Riek Machar regarding the escalating security situation in South Sudan,” Ruto stated.
“I urged both leaders to embrace dialogue as a means to foster peace in the country, even as the region continues its efforts to stabilize South Sudan under IGAD’s Strategic Framework.”
The President further disclosed that African leaders have launched regional consultations to explore the best approach for resolving the crisis.
The situation in South Sudan took a drastic turn earlier this week when Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam, a staunch Machar supporter, was arrested on Tuesday.
This was followed by the arrest of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol on Wednesday, along with his bodyguards and family members.
Additionally, government soldiers from the national defense forces sealed off Vice President Machar’s residence in the capital, Juba.
However, authorities have not provided a clear explanation for these arrests, which occurred shortly after an armed group affiliated with Machar captured an army base in the northern region of Upper Nile State.
Machar, who has a long history of political rivalry with President Kiir, recently warned that the dismissal of several of his allies from government positions posed a serious threat to the fragile 2018 peace agreement between him and Kiir.
This agreement had put an end to a devastating five-year civil war that claimed the lives of over 400,000 people in Africa’s youngest nation.
Meanwhile, President Ruto has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to bring South Sudan’s opposition groups to the negotiation table.
On February 20, he met with the country’s main opposition Hold-Out Group and reached an agreement regarding the ongoing mediation process.
At the request of South Sudan’s government delegation, it was decided that the mediation process taking place in Nairobi would be postponed until March 2025 to allow for further consultations.
“I met with the Opposition Hold-Out Group of South Sudan, and we agreed—following a request from the South Sudan government delegation—that the mediation process currently underway in Nairobi will be adjourned until March 2025.
This pause will allow for broader consultations that will help shape the way forward,” Ruto announced in a statement.
His intervention underscores the regional efforts to prevent South Sudan from sliding back into chaos, with leaders working to ensure a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions.
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