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U.S. State Department Urges President Kiir, FVP Machar to Hold Direct Talks
Molly Phee, the US Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs – Courtesy
Escalating Violence Sparks International Concern
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs has called on South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to engage in direct dialogue amid growing fears the country is sliding back toward civil war.
This urgent appeal comes following deadly military clashes between government forces (SSPDF) and opposition groups (SPLA-IO) near Juba, coupled with ongoing violence in Upper Nile State that threatens to destabilize the fragile peace agreement.
International Calls for Immediate Action
On Tuesday, the U.S. Bureau issued a stark warning via social media: “President Kiir and FVP Machar must engage in direct dialogue to curb escalating violence in South Sudan.” The statement highlighted several concerning developments:
- Non-state militia attacks
- Government-backed airstrikes
- Promotion of sanctioned officials to high office
UN Warns of Potential Full-Scale War
The head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, reinforced these concerns during a briefing from Juba, stating the country was “teetering on the brink of a return to full-scale civil war” as political tensions intensify.
Haysom emphasized: “The time for action is now because the alternative is too terrible to contemplate.” He urged both leaders to:
- Hold immediate face-to-face meetings
- Issue joint public commitments to peace
- Return to consensus-based decision making
Path Forward: Full Implementation of Peace Agreement
The UN official stressed that international consensus points to one solution: complete implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. Key requirements include:
- Strict adherence to ceasefire agreements
- Proper legal treatment or release of detained officials
- Resolution of disputes through dialogue rather than military action
“We remain convinced that there is only one way out of the cycle of conflict,” Haysom stated, “and that is to return to the revitalized peace agreement in letter and spirit.”
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