By Matik Kueth
The United States has expressed concerns about the escalating tensions in South Sudan, urging President Kiir and the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to engage in dialogue.
In a post by the Bureau of African Affairs on Tuesday, called on President Kiir and Machar to hold talks to prevent the country from spiraling into civil conflict.
“President Kiir and FVP Machar must engage in direct dialogue to curb escalating violence in South Sudan. Non-state militia attacks, govt-backed airstrikes, and promotion of sanctioned officials to high office are deeply concerning,” stated the US Department on its X-Platform.
Despite the United States’ appeal, echoing similar sentiments, the director of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) decried “indiscriminate attacks on civilians” on Monday, following a rising tension between President Kiir and Dr. Machar, which threatens to shatter a fragile power-sharing agreement.
In recent weeks, clashes have broken out in Nasir County between the SSPDF loyal to President Salva Kiir and the “White Army,” an armed group accused by the government of working with First Vice President Riek Machar, an accusation that the SPLM-IO denied as untrue and unfounded.
In retaliation for the incident, Upper Nile state has been bombarded with explosives carrying a highly flammable liquid that works as an accelerant when exploded by the UPDF and the SSPDF.
The UPDF warplanes continue to launch massive bombardments in Nasir, Ulang, and Longechuk counties, forcing civilians to flee their homes.
In a press briefing on Monday in New York, UNMISS Chief Nicolas Haysom stated that at least 63,000 civilians have left Nasir and Ulang counties as a result of the UPDF and SSPDF’s ongoing aircraft bombardments.
He said the government’s desire to deploy the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan has heightened tensions, recalling traumatic memories of the country’s previous civil wars.