S. Sudan’s Kiir, African leaders discuss Sudan peace process
September 20, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and other African leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly will discuss strategies and action plans to end the conflict in Sudan, an official said.
In an interview with the state-owned television (SSBC), Foreign Affairs minister James Pitia Morgan said Kiir reached out to African and world leaders to solicit their support for peace process in Sudan.
“His Excellency the president has since he came contacted many leaders and held meetings with them on the situation in Sudan. Obviously, today [Tuesday], he will continue to be fully engaged, making phone calls, and trying to meet leaders with whom he hopes to secure a ceasefire, which will enable a much-needed reprieve for all affected civilians in Khartoum. He has already met and held fruitful talks with the president of Ghana who has indicated readiness to join in the effort,” he explained.
Other African leaders, Pitia said, also support efforts made by President Kiir.
Similarly, South Sudan’s Presidential Affairs minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin said Kiir will continue engaging world leaders attending the UN General Assembly meeting in New York with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the war in Sudan.
He said President Kiir will highlight the progress in the peace deal implementation and preparations for the 2024 elections.
“The South Sudanese leader will also use the opportunity to speak about the crisis in Sudan and his role and commitment in trying to resolve the raging conflict in Sudan,” stressed Marial.
Kiir is in New York to attend the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, taking place from September 18-26;
The South Sudan leader last attended the 69th session of UNGA in September 2014.
This year’s meeting will be held under the theme, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all”.
A series of bilateral discussions will also take place on the sidelines of the event.
(ST)