Nairobi: Kenya’s President William Ruto has expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in neighboring South Sudan and the delivery of food items to the needy people. In the northern South Sudanese states of Upper Nile and Jonglei, armed militia rivalries are once again engaged in conflict.
The fighting has jeopardized the implementation of a 2018 peace deal between President Salva Kiir and his former rival Riek Machar.
Ruto claimed that on Saturday he spoke to Kiir and urged him to facilitate talks between all parties to end the fighting. Kenya has also requested assistance from the international community in response to the growing unrest in South Sudan.
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Ruto said in a statement, “I, on behalf of Kenya, draw these worrying incidents to the attention of the larger international community and call for a focus towards de-escalation, peaceful resolution and co-existence between the parties involved.” And call for your immediate intervention.” “Kenya is a neighbor and a donor to the South Sudan peace process.
Thousands have been forced to flee the fighting, and many more are now in urgent need of water, food, shelter and medical care. Kenya is now sending food and medical aid to South Sudan for the second time, following a similar donation on 25 November.
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The Greater East African region is facing its worst drought in decades; Some areas have had five consecutive dry seasons, while others have received less than normal rainfall.
South Sudan and Kenya share a northern border, and Kenya is a key intermediary in the implementation of the country’s peace accord.
When oil-rich South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 after a long war, there were great expectations. However, when forces loyal to Kiir engaged those supporting Machar in a war in December 2013, the nation descended into civil war, caused mainly by ethnic divisions.
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The 2018 peace deal brought an end to the war, which has claimed thousands of lives. However, the terms of the agreement have not been fully followed, and ongoing violence is further weakening it.
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