Kiir told to initiate talks with Machar to de-escalate tensions

JUBA – Regional and international diplomats in South Sudan have this afternoon met President Salva Kiir Mayardit and asked him to initiate talks for de-escalation of the political situation in the world’s youngest country following fears of return to conflict.

On Sunday night, a joint security force comprising elements from the National Security Service (NSS) and South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) deployed to the airport road passing near residence of First Vice President Machar with citizens being turned away from the location.

The deployment of troops raised concerns among the citizens and the international community over the intent of the South Sudanese president and First Vice President Machar who doubles as the leader of the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) questioned the deployment.

In a statement, the presidency said President Kiir “held a meeting with the representatives of UNMISS, AU, IGAD, and RJMEC to discuss matters pertaining to the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.”

The South Sudanese president, the statement said, “reiterated his commitment to fully implement the Revitalised Peace Agreement and not to return the Country back to war again.”

Speaking to the media following the meeting AU special envoy Joram M. Biswaro said, they “urged H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit to initiate talks with the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny to de-escalate the current political situation and to uphold their respective obligations under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.”