Kiir offers to mediate Tigray conflict

JUBA – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has offered to mediate the conflict between the federal government of Ethiopia and forces in its northern Tigray region that has thrown the country into turmoil.

The fighting that erupted in November 2020, between the Ethiopian government and forces loyal to Tigray People’s Liberation Front has destabilized the populous country in the Horn of Africa, leaving thousands of people dead with 350,000 others living in famine conditions.

Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting in Juba on Friday, Michael Makuei Lueth, the country’s Information Minister said preparations are underway for President Kiir to start its mediation role in Ethiopian conflict.

“President Kiir cold-heartedly accepted the request and now the preparations are underway so that this mediation process starts between the Ethiopian government and Tigray and between Sudan and Ethiopia,” Makuei told reporters in Juba.

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir paid a one-day visit to Ethiopia on 26 August and discussed with his counterpart, Abiy Ahmed Ethiopian conflict.

Makuei said the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accepted the mediation of President Kiir and also requested him to mediate in Ethiopia’s border issue with Sudan.

“The President Salva Kiir talk to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy who accepted President Kiir mediation on Ethiopia conflict and also requested President Salva to media on Ethiopian-Sudanese disputes long borders,”  Makuei said.