South Sudan urges Abiy to accept dialogue, rejects declaration of state of emergency

Juba – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has expressed a strong disapproval of the state of emergency declared this week by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed urging Ethiopian leaders, Abiy in particular, to accept that the ongoing conflict is settled down using peaceful means such as dialogue.

The Ethiopian government in an emergency meeting declared a state of emergency after a rebel advance towards capital Addis Ababa sparked fears in the Ethiopian capital resulting in the calls by the United States Embassy on its citizens in Ethiopia to consider leaving the East African country.

In a statement, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it is concerned with the ongoing advance of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) towards the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa and expressed support for the government and people of Ethiopia over the crisis.

“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan and particularly H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit has been very concerned with recent advances of TPLF rebel group in Northern Ethiopia. The President once again takes this opportunity to renew his pledge of solidarity and support to the people and government of Ethiopia; and urge both the government and TPLF rebel to come to table for dialogue,” the foreign ministry statement reads in part.

While expressing support for the people of Ethiopia, the South Sudan foreign ministry statement said is concerned by the declaration of state of emergency by the government of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed saying it is an alarming development for the government and people of Ethiopia.

“President Kiir notes with great concern the recent declaration of a state of emergency by the Ethiopian Government in response to this situation. This alarming development raises the stakes for Ethiopia and underscores why a speedy resolution to the conflict between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) is absolutely required without delay,” the statement said.

“As a close ally that had benefited from the generosity of Ethiopian people, South Sudan is obliged not to close her eyes to the suffering that these wars inflict upon our innocent people in the Horn of Africa. We ought to bring such suffering into full view and use it as a catalyst for us to rise to the challenge of reconciliation,” it added.

The statement further urged Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and other leaders of Ethiopia to make “heroic response” and “provide a room for dialogue. There can be no other way as the current military trajectory would only diminish Ethiopia’s position as an indispensable geopolitical leader in the region and Africa.”

“President Salva Kiir stands ready to support Ethiopia’s dialogue process and remains hopeful that the leaders of Ethiopia will end the current suffering by pursuing a peaceful homegrown solution,” it concludes.