Regional diplomats have renewed calls for calm and the use of diplomatic language as South Sudan continues to grapple with political and military instability. On Thursday, envoys from the region emphasised the urgent need for a meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the country’s deepening crisis.
The diplomats urged South Sudan’s political leaders to refrain from violence and return to the negotiating table, warning that continued hostilities risk further destabilising Africa’s youngest nation. Their appeal comes amid ongoing military confrontations, particularly following renewed clashes between the SPLA-IO and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in January.
The call for dialogue was formally presented in Nairobi, Kenya, where a draft framework aimed at resolving the conflict was handed to the Acting Chairperson of the SPLA-IO, Oyet Nathaniel, by a Kenyan envoy. The same document was also shared with government representatives during meetings in the Kenyan capital.
Oyet Nathaniel confirmed receipt of the draft dialogue framework, stating that the SPLA-IO leadership has yet to take an official position. He explained that the movement intends to conduct broad internal consultations, particularly with senior members of its political bureau, before making any formal response.
He further argued that South Sudan’s prevailing political, security, and humanitarian challenges stem from violence involving key signatories to the peace agreement. While reaffirming the SPLA-IO’s commitment to peace, the movement called for the immediate release of its detained leader and several senior political figures who have been arrested since fighting erupted in Nasir in March last year.
Meanwhile, President Salva Kiir on Friday announced the formation of a broad-based dialogue initiative that includes representatives from various political groups, civil society organisations, and signatories to the revitalised peace agreement. However, the SPLA-IO has accused the president of attempting to amend the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) through the dialogue process.
