South Sudan’s Kiir urges robust regional action to resolve conflict in Sudan
July 9, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir called for “strong and coordinated” regional action to end the conflict in Sudan, pointing to the severity of the situation with dire economic and humanitarian effects on neighbouring countries.
“The current situation in Sudan is a major concern to everyone. It is now causing immense suffering and exerting immense economic and social pressure on our border communities,” said President Kiir on Saturday
“This is really sad. It was an unexpected situation which now requires fully coordinated and strong action to end what is happening,” he added.
The South Sudanese leader was delivering a speech marking the 12th anniversary of the independence of South Sudan from Sudan in 2011.
South Sudan, he said, moved with incredible speed and strength when the conflict erupted in Sudan to mobilize regional support.
Despite the separation, the two north and south are still firmly linked due to social and economic ties between the two countries. Also, the border remains open for people from the two countries.
As of July 4, 2023, 149,373 individuals from 33,797 households have been documented as arrivals in South Sudan since the onset of the crisis.
The conflict in Sudan has disrupted the transportation of food supplies to markets in the northern regions near the border crossings, leading to a significant rise in food prices.
Since the start of the Sudan crisis, there has been a 20 to 84 per cent increase in food prices in the areas adjacent to Sudan, exacerbating the challenges faced by thousands of vulnerable people residing in these regions.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Kiir said his government made considerable efforts to accelerate the evacuation of South Sudanese individuals from the areas in Khartoum where the conflict was intensifying, successfully receiving them at various entry points.
Some arrived via Renk, while others entered through Aweil, Raja, Ruweng, and Bentiu regions. Those who arrived in Renk from other states were transported to their respective areas, and the operations are ongoing.
“As a country, we have played a unique role. The immediate concern was the safety of our citizens, and for this reason, I directed our embassy to remain open to monitor their situation and facilitate them,” he stressed.
The South Sudanese leader further vowed to intensify efforts, engage with the conflicting parties, prioritize the end of the war and address the plight of the Sudanese people affected by the ongoing fighting.
“I know that there have been questions about our efforts in Sudan. The conflict has not stopped, and there are efforts for mediation. The situation remains a matter of concern. My answer has been yes, the conflict is continuing, and this is the particular issue in which we have invested time to address. When the fighting stops, it will open a way for mediation, which is not the priority now,” he emphasized.
South Sudan is expected to participate in a regional meeting scheduled on Monday for the IGAD quartet group tasked with resolving the Sudanese conflict.
(ST)