South Sudan dispatches high-level delegation to mediate for Sudanese parties

JUBA – South Sudan government has on Sunday dispatched a high-level delegation to the Sudanese capital Khartoum to mediate between military and civilian leaders following the ouster of the transitional government.

Let by President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s security advisor, the delegation includes the minister of foreign affairs Mayiik Ayii, investment minister, Dhieu Mathok, as well as senior South Sudan government officials.

Last week, Sudan’s military seized power and then dissolved the transitional government.

Thousands of people flooded into the streets to protest the coup that threatens the country’s shaky progress toward democracy.

The takeover comes more than two years after protesters forced the ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir and just weeks before the military was supposed to hand the leadership of the council that runs the country over to civilians.

In a statement seen by Sudans Post, foreign minister Mayiik Ayii disclosed they have been sent to Sudan by President Salva Kiir Mayardit to deliver an appeal for peaceful dialogue among the Sudanese political leaders.

“President Kiir has been following the ongoing tension in Sudan with great concern and is appealing to Sudanese leaders, especially Gen. Abdel Fatah Al Burhan, Chairman of Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council to provide space for such dialogue,” Mayiik said in a statement issued on Sunday.

Mayiik said Kiir has urged all parties in neighboring Sudan to work to ensure stability and security amid the military takeover.

“Kiir also appeals to all political actors on both sides in Sudan to avoid that would endanger the stability of the country at this critical juncture in Sudan’s history,” he said.

The minister expressed the readiness of the South Sudanese government to assist Sudan to restore stability.

“South Sudan is ready to assist Sudan as you protect and build upon the historical accomplishment of Sudanese people through dialogue. We are confident that the Sudanese Leaders will respond positively to our appeal as our two countries share a culture and history of reconciliation,” he added.