South Sudan’s Kiir warns against taking sides in Sudan conflict
June 3, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has warned against taking sides in Sudan’s conflict, saying engaging in partisan politics will exacerbate and undermine efforts to end the war that has already displaced millions of people.
He made the remarks while briefing his security advisor, Tut Gatluak on Friday.
“There is this difficulty being created by the conflict in Sudan. There are genuine efforts to mediate peaceful settlement and there are those frustrated and have decided to see everyone and the solution they are offering as the problem and partisan. From our perspectives, partisan efforts would exacerbate and we do not want that because this conflict has spilled to many countries in the region and it is becoming a socio-political and security issue”, explained Kiir.
In his message to the leadership in Sudan, the South Sudanese leader tasked his security advisor to assure them that his administration is opposed to taking sides.
Kiir said peaceful dialogue is the ideal way to restore law and order in Sudan.
According to the South Sudanese leader, Sudan occupies a strategic position in the region and regional efforts will help prevent a spill over to other countries.
“When they [foreign diplomats] come to me asking my opinion about the situation in Sudan and the role we are playing to help restore peace, I tell them not to take sides but help them return on the right track, on the path of peace and stable because Sudan occupies a strategic position in the region and has a place in the international affairs”, said Kiir.
He added, “If you want peace and stability in Sudan, do not give weapons and if you do it means you have taken sides and it exacerbates the situation and the suffering”.
Kiir, in his message, advised the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to pursue a peaceful settlement of the ongoing conflict.
South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs minister, Ramadan Abdallah Goc said several summits organized by the general assembly of the heads of state and government of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), African Union, the United Nations, and other institutions have affirmed sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Sudan and must be effectively upheld
“When the heads of state and government of the IGAD countries convened a special session to discuss important developments in the region and the issue of Sudan was one of the top agendas and issues, it was agreed that Conflict and war benefit no one. And that All the parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravating tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiraling out of control”, he remarked.
Goch said dialogue and negotiations are the only solutions to end Sudan’s war.
According to the minister, Kiir has directed the governors to welcome South Sudanese returning as well as Sudanese fleeing the conflict into the young nation.
“Those coming from Sudan should be welcomed. They are our people. All the governors and county commissioners should enlighten communities to receive and treat them well and share whatever is there. I know the situation and that is why All measures conducive to easing the humanitarian activities must be encouraged and supported”, stressed Goch.
He added, “But these humanitarian operations should follow the principles of neutrality and impartiality, and humanitarian issues should not be politicized.”
More than 8.8 million people, according to the UN, have fled their homes since mid-April 2023, with access to food considered the priority need of the internally displaced persons, followed by healthcare, water as well as sanitation services.
(ST)