South Sudan’s Kiir, French MPs discuss Sudan peace process
October 10, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Monday discussed with French lawmakers the conflict in Sudan as part of effort to resolve the ongoing crisis.
The meeting, the presidency said in a statement, was to draw global attention to the war that has displaced more than 5 million people since its outbreak five months ago.
South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs minister, James Pitia Morgan and his Presidential Affairs counterpart, Barnaba Marial Benjamin attended the meeting held in the capital, Juba.
The chairman of the French parliamentary caucus, Christophe Marion said their visit was to understand Sudan’s conflict situation, its impact on South Sudan and the region.
“With the prevailing situation in Sudan, we are convinced that South Sudan could be the element of stability and its positive role in addressing the conflict in Sudan can contribute to the stability sub-region,” Marion told the state-owned television (SSBC).
He added, “We also shared views on how we could collaborate and establish cooperation and partnership with South Sudan in areas of culture, peace, agriculture, finance and economy”.
For his part, however, Pitia said the French legislators commended the decision of President Kiir and his administration to open border points and host Sudanese refugees.
Talks to secure a ceasefire have stalled since mid-April 2023 when violent clashes erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in the displacement of over 5.5 million people, including internally displaced persons.
This conflict exacerbated many of Sudan’s existing challenges, including ongoing conflicts, disease outbreaks, economic and political instability as well as climate emergencies.
At least 24.7 million people or about half of the Sudanese population now require humanitarian assistance and protection as the conflict, displacement, and disease outbreaks threaten to consume the entire country, aid agencies said.
(ST)